Kyustendil – a region with early encounters and accumulated experience in transition

A just transition is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic one. This was one of the main themes of the international conference “Just Transition in Kyustendil,” organized by Brand Media Bulgaria in partnership with the Municipality of Kyustendil, Elektrohold Bulgaria, and Bobov Dol Thermal Power Plant.

The forum, co-funded by the EU, brought together representatives of national and European institutions, local authorities, experts, and foreign guests to exchange good practices and seek working solutions.

Kyustendil – a region with experience but also challenges

The mayor of Kyustendil, Ognian Atanasov, recalled that the region had experienced the “shock wave” of transition 8-10 years ago when the mines were closed.

The consequences were unemployment, depopulation, and social tension. However, according to him, this difficult experience now gives the region an advantage—knowledge and readiness to act more rationally. “The better the preparation, the less blood there will be in the battle,” Atanasov said.

Among the measures being taken are the creation of an industrial zone and support for small and medium-sized businesses. More than 200 companies took part in a meeting related to a similar procedure, demonstrating interest and readiness to participate in the transformation.

The mayor insists that the transition be realistic.

It is difficult for someone from the mining industry to become an IT specialist, but they can be an excellent expert in the maintenance of renewable energy facilities,” he said.

He also highlighted the need for training within the companies themselves.

Seeking inspiration and solutions

Regional Governor Eng. Metodi Chimev emphasized that it is difficult to strike a balance between workers' expectations and business opportunities.

The issue is a sensitive one and has been discussed for years. We hope for solutions that will help us cope," he said.

In this context, Asenia Dimitrova from Brand Media Bulgaria said, “We hope to inspire through examples from Europe.”

From coal to value-added industry

The economic advisor to the European Commission's Representation in Bulgaria, Neno Nenov, emphasized that the energy transition should be driven not by ideology but by pragmatism—investment, technology, and business logic. According to him, in just a few years, energy storage technology has become three times cheaper, and there are already projects classified under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan worth over BGN 1.1 billion.

Nenov gave the example of the Romanian city of Petril, where a Swedish company has invested €10 million in a renewable energy technology factory, €7 million of which came from the Just Transition Fund. Kyustendil has similar potential, with €122 million from the same fund.

People's expectations, concerns, and attitudes

A survey by the Trend agency, conducted among 800 people in the Kyustendil region on behalf of Brand Media Bulgaria, clearly shows that fear of the green transition is palpable.

Seventy percent of those surveyed believe that the climate crisis is real, but 78% are concerned about rising electricity prices, 53% about job losses, and 52% about rising prices in general.

Only 11% believe that the transition will create new jobs in the region. Young people are more optimistic and inclined to be mobile – nearly 40% of people under 30 would move for work, and 70% would travel up to an hour each day.

Awareness remains low – 64% of people say they do not know what the Green Deal's objectives are, and 50% have never heard of EU-funded projects in the region.

The road to a green economy and quality jobs

The forum brought together representatives of four ministries and trade unions to discuss the unprecedented opportunities for European funding, exceeding BGN 800 million in the next year alone.

Our goal is to fully open the Just Transition Fund by the end of 2025 and enable a wide range of investments," emphasized Monika Stoyanova, chief expert at the Directorate-General for Strategic Planning and Regional Development Programming at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.

According to her, the three pillars of the fund – economic, social, and climate transition—are already taking shape: 26 apartment buildings in the city are receiving BGN 32 million for energy efficiency, and the open procedure for retraining employees from the thermal power plant and mines (BGN 110 million) expires on June 13.

By June 19, the municipality can apply with projects for industrial and logistics parks worth BGN 20.5 million, and more calls are expected in the second half of the year: BGN 475 million for the transformation of mining sites, BGN 300 million for energy communities, and BGN 142 million for photovoltaic parks. The latter was the focus of criticism: the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria warned against “blindly betting” on solar projects alone and insisted that the funds be redirected to industrial production, which guarantees long-term employment and higher added value.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth announced a package of measures worth over BGN 450 million.

We have selected procedures that are truly applicable and involve minimal administrative burden,” assured Iliana Ilieva, Director of the European Funds for Competitiveness Directorate-General.

The most attractive one – “Industry 4.0” – offers up to BGN 850,000 in non-repayable aid, combined with loans from the Fund of Funds. Micro and small businesses will have access to simplified digitization (up to BGN 50,000), while another scheme supports renewable energy investments and energy-efficient equipment with up to BGN 100,000.

The region will also rely on two cross-border programs with a total budget of around BGN 20 million. – with the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia. The call for companies from the border regions of Kumanovo, Shtip, Strumica, Kyustendil, and Blagoevgrad is coming up in June, with 100% funding and up to €300,000 per partner.

Education is also at the heart of the transition: 36 schools in the region will build STEM centers, and the National Recovery Plan is already funding the modernization of dormitories and vocational high schools. “Getting children interested in natural sciences is fundamental for our future labor market,” said Maya Ninova from the Ministry of Education and Science.

However, trade unions struck a more sober note. A KNSB survey of 1,480 workers in the mines and the Bobov Dol thermal power plant shows that 82% do not want to leave the energy sector, although 57% are willing to upgrade their skills if their income is guaranteed. “People want new industries,” emphasized Vice President Ognyan Atanasov.

The union proposes a “4+4” scheme – four hours of work and four hours of training during the shift, jointly funded by the FSP and the employer.

The overall message of the conference is clear: Kyustendil has a unique financial window of opportunity, but success depends on coordination between the state, business, and workers.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Managing Authority. Neither the European Union nor the Managing Authority can be held responsible for them.

Translated with DeepL.