Minister of Environment and Water Rositsa Karamfilova is participating in the meeting of the Council of the European Union on Environment, which is taking place today in Luxembourg.

The meeting began with a review of the progress made in negotiations on the revision of CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Minister Karamfilova emphasized that Bulgaria supports the update to the regulatory framework and the flexibility provisions, but at the same time believes that the 2030 and 2035 targets are too ambitious and that a more realistic trajectory needs to be considered.

“A successful transition to clean mobility must be based on technological neutrality, economic realism, and social sustainability,” stated Minister Karamfilova.

The meeting continued with an exchange of views on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Sustainable Water Resources one year after its adoption. Minister Karamfilova noted that Bulgaria views water security as a strategic priority. She presented the measures taken to address the growing pressure of climate change on water resources and called for greater flexibility in European financial instruments and more active efforts to attract investment in the water sector. “…we need to make the sustainability of water resources a real investment and political priority for Europe,” emphasized Karamfilova.

During the discussion of the results of 34 years of implementing the LIFE program and the prospects for its future, Minister Karamfilova noted that “the program is the EU’s only instrument entirely dedicated to the environment, climate, and biodiversity.” The minister stressed that the program should retain its autonomy beyond 2027 to ensure its key characteristics—visibility, accessibility, a specialized management model, and adequate funding—are safeguarded.

During the meeting, Minister Rositsa Karamfilova held a bilateral meeting with European Commissioner for Climate Action, Net-Zero, and Green Growth Wopke Hoekstra. During their conversation, the two discussed the upcoming revision of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the preparation of the EU’s future climate framework for the period after 2030.

Minister Karamfilova emphasized that the revision of the EU ETS should be based on in-depth impact assessments that take into account the specific economic, energy, and technological characteristics of the member states. Bulgaria calls for a smooth and predictable transition, the preservation of free allocation of allowances to industry for as long as possible, and ensuring better access to financing for lower-income countries and carbon-intensive industries.

The meeting of the EU Environment Council continues with a discussion on the risks of biodiversity loss and ensuring economic prosperity, competitiveness, and sustainability. Bulgaria will emphasize the need for a long-term vision and better integration of natural capital into economic and investment planning processes, including through the valuation of ecosystem services and the development of mechanisms to encourage investment in nature conservation and restoration.

The meeting will also feature an exchange of views on ensuring the effective implementation of the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Among the necessary actions, Bulgaria highlights the modernization of the regulatory framework, enhanced oversight, better use of digital tools, and strong coordination at the European level.