Taking part in a discussion about “A Strong and Clean European Industry”
How to Achieve a Robust and Environmentally Friendly European Industry? One of the proposed solutions is the European Regulation for Net Zero Emission Industry. This subject was deliberated upon during a round table session in the National Assembly, organized by MEP Tsvetelina Penkova from the Group of the Progressive Alliance in the European Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Christian Vigenin. The event gathered prominent figures from regulatory bodies, institutions, industry, and academia.
The round table saw the participation of delegates from various organizations, including the “Solar Academy Bulgaria” Association, represented by Dr. Eng. Veselin Todorov – founder of VVT Engineering, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, associations from the metallurgical and cement sectors, KNSB, the Institute of Energy Management, energy regulators, the Electricity System Operator, the non-ferrous metals industry, electricity distribution companies, the construction sector, and academia.
“Europe stands as a leader in innovation and the advancement of novel industries. Unlike in the past, today’s energy resources are not infinite. Hence, we must seek lasting and sustainable solutions,” initiated MEP Tsvetelina Penkova, setting the discourse for the conversation. She highlighted that the legislation concerning a net-zero emissions industry is already in progress within the European Parliament, emphasizing, “The objective is to amplify the production of clean technologies within the EU. This legislative measure will attract investments, foster improved conditions, and bolster market accessibility for clean technologies within the EU. In turn, this will drive job creation and the emergence of new industries.” She further added that this legislation will enhance the competitiveness of the EU’s industrial sector and contribute to endeavors towards achieving energy independence.
“It’s truly remarkable that, for the first time in a significant period within the Bulgarian Parliament, such a gathering has convened, bringing together our representatives from the European Parliament, who are actively engaged in shaping specific legislative packages, with counterparts from the Bulgarian National Assembly. The latter will be instrumental in executing this legislation within Bulgarian law, and they will be tasked with crucial decisions regarding the safeguarding of Bulgarian interests.” These opening remarks were offered by Christian Vigenin, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, as the discussion commenced. He reassured representatives of the industry, who are poised to be significantly impacted by forthcoming decisions, with the following pledge: “Within the Bulgarian National Assembly, we are not only committed to closely monitoring the unfolding of this package, but we are also dedicated to exercising requisite parliamentary oversight through the EU Affairs Commission and the mechanisms bestowed upon the representatives of the people to scrutinize the government and its ministers. This ensures that the stances adopted by the executive power within the Council of the EU inherently consider Bulgarian interests, and likewise, take into account the endeavors we embark upon today through this very discussion.”
As per MEP Tsvetelina Penkova, the objective is for the European Union’s collective strategic capability to manufacture technologies with zero net emissions, including a minimum of 40% of green technologies and their constituents, by the year 2030.
In her capacity as the rapporteur for the legislation, Penkova underscored the focal points for which she will advocate: “The EU must undertake the production of all technologies – encompassing photovoltaics, heat pumps, batteries, electrolyzers, wind installations, offshore renewable sources, power network technologies, sustainable fuels, as well as nuclear power generation technologies. It’s imperative to broaden this list in tandem with the emergence of new technologies.”
