The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov took part in the meeting of the EU Environment Council in Brussels.

During the meeting, the ministers held a debate on the proposal for revision of the European Climate Law. The proposal envisages setting an interim target of 90% reduction in emissions compared to the already established emission target of 55% by 2030 with a view to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Bulgaria confirmed its support for the establishment of an interim target for 2040 as a key instrument for strategic predictability and a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy.

In his speech, Minister Genov highlighted: For us, ensuring an ambitious and at the same time pragmatic and realistic approach remains a priority. An approach that strengthens, not undermines, the European economy. An approach that accelerates socio-economic and technological cohesion, ensures a fair distribution of efforts and benefits, and most importantly – provides flexibility to take into account national specificities and a just transition for all”.

The 2040 target must be built on a solid foundation that provides clarity on its sectoral distribution and scope, and its implementation framework, as well as guarantees the necessary enabling framework.

The framework must also contain concrete guarantees for regular assessment of effectiveness, a mechanism for corrective action where necessary, as well as a clearer reflection of the needs of vulnerable regions and households, including by ensuring equitable and geographically balanced access to finance and technologies.

The meeting continued with a discussion of the EU Declaration of Intent with a view to submitting a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement.

“The EU must maintain its position and active participation in international negotiations” – Minister Genov pointed out and added that “this declaration will provide the necessary time for preparation and for conducting additional political and technical debates that will lay the needed well-informed foundation for a decision on the European target for 2040.”