The transition in Stara Zagora is a challenge, but also an opportunity for growth

We all know that Stara Zagora is the Bulgarian region most affected by the gradual phase-out of coal-fired power generation. This transition is not just about energy – it is about people, their livelihoods, and an entire region.

With these words, Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reform Policy, addressed the participants in the TOP JOBS career forum in Stara Zagora, which took place from September 11 to 13.

The European Commissioner emphasized that the European Commission "is fully aware of the scale of these challenges, but we are also convinced that we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and renewal in Stara Zagora.”

According to him, promoting growth and renewal in regions such as Stara Zagora is a key role of cohesion policy.

Through cohesion policy, the EU is investing in your future,” he added, recalling that Bulgaria has €11 billion available under cohesion policy for the period 2021-2027.

Of this, €1.2 billion is for the Just Transition Fund, and more than €900 million is earmarked specifically for Stara Zagora and 10 neighboring municipalities.

Among the initiatives already underway are the Hydrogen Valley projects, which put the region on the clean energy map, and the Zagore digital information hub, which provides services for business and administration.

He placed particular emphasis on the future call for project proposals, which will start at the end of 2025 with a budget of €56 million. The funds will support workers in the process of retraining, upgrading their skills, and acquiring new ones, including entrepreneurial skills.

Our vision for Stara Zagora is clear: a strong, inclusive economy with lower carbon emissions that offers quality jobs, attracts investment, and empowers local communities,” said the EC Vice President.

He concluded with a call to all stakeholders – local authorities, businesses, universities, and citizens—to actively participate in shaping the region's new future:

I assure you that the Commission will be with you in this process.”

Translated with DeepL.

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. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.