Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks 50th in this year’s CCPI. The country receives a low rating in GHG Emissions and Climate Policy, very low in Energy Use, and medium in Renewable Energy.

Bulgaria’s unstable political situation has halted the implementation of EU-level national targets. In the last four years, there have been seven parliamentary elections, alongside large-scale protests in the country.

The CCPI country experts state there must be a transition in Bulgaria’s energy market. There are still many fossil fuel subsidies and support through public funding for fossil fuel companies. GHG emissions reporting by most fossil fuel companies also continues to be weak.

Persistent Support for Fossil Fuel Exploration and Infrastructure

The Bulgarian government plans to phase out coal by 2038, but the experts demand a 2030 phase-out. Support continues for oil and gas exploration in the Black Sea and fossil fuel infrastructure. These actions are not in accordance with a clean energy transition and more support and incentives are needed for renewable energy projects.

Wind energy is mostly supported in urban areas, where the wind potential is insufficient. Offshore wind projects are blocked in public debate because of industrial fishing and the tourism lobby. The experts demand a more decentralised clean energy system that supports community-owned energy projects.

In August 2024, Bulgaria hosted the 61st Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) session in Sofia and gained public attention for climate action. Otherwise, the country mostly follows EU climate politics at the international level.

Overall, Bulgaria must further accelerate its renewable energy capacities, end federal support for fossil fuels, and set more ambitious climate targets, including its EU-level National Energy and Climate Plan.

Key Outcomes

CCPI Experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Vihren Mitev (Ecological Manifesto – ManEco Foundation)
• Za Zemiata (FoE Bulgaria)