The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov participated in the meeting of the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg.

During the meeting, a common approach was established on the Regulation on circularity in the design of vehicles and on the management of end-of-life vehicles. Minister Genov noted that significant progress had been made in limiting the unjustified administrative burden while ensuring flexibility to allow for specific sectoral and national characteristics to be taken into account.

Without ensuring clear and effective mechanisms for traceability and financial compensation in a cross-border context, it is impossible to limit the disproportionate burden associated with the collection and treatment of end-of-life vehicles. Therefore, the Minister pointed out, it is crucial to develop adequate tools and mechanisms to ensure fair and effective implementation of the principle of extended producer responsibility.

“Achieving clear and enforceable requirements that take into account the specific national context and reflect the necessary balance between environmental and economic priorities remains a priority for Bulgaria,” said Minister Genov.

The ministers also discussed the prospects for the EU on the eve of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30). It is necessary to combine the decarbonization goal with a clear plan for the development of a high-performance and low-carbon economy, based on energy security, the development of technologies and skills, and the provision of high-paying jobs in the sectors and regions affected by the energy transition. Sustainable resource management is also necessary to avoid significant damage to the environment and biodiversity.

Minister Manol Genov stressed that defining and successfully implementing this goal is only possible if decarbonization has a strategic role as a driver for restoring the competitiveness of European industry. Bulgaria continues to believe that the sharing of efforts must take into account the principle of solidarity in the EU, the pursuit of cohesion, national specificities and different starting positions, as well as the challenges related to changes in industry and social aspects. "Only this way the transition to climate neutrality can be inclusive and fair," concluded Minister Genov.