The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov participated in the meeting of the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg, where the member states adopted the Union's position for the upcoming climate conference in Brazil. Bulgaria emphasized the need for a just transition, social protection and adequate financing of environmental policies.
During the meeting, the ministers adopted conclusions setting out the main elements of the EU's negotiating position for the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference is due to take place in the period 10 – November 21, 2025 in Belem, Brazil.
“Our priority remains to ensure an ambitious, yet pragmatic and realistic approach in an intra-European context“, Minister Manol Genov emphasized in his speech. He emphasized the need to ensure the necessary conditions for the successful implementation of the goals, including financing, technologies and capacity building. “Of particular importance for our region are the elements related to taking into account the social dimension, just transition and protection of vulnerable groups, as well as transboundary effects“, Minister Genov stated.
During the meeting, the environment ministers of the EU Member States exchanged views on the European Ocean Pact - a strategy aimed at better protecting the ocean, promoting the “blue” economy and supporting the well-being of people living in coastal areas. Bulgaria expressed support for the European Commission's vision for sustainable management of the oceans and seas, set out in the Pact, the press centre of the Ministry of Environment and Waters reported.
In his speech, Minister Genov noted that in order for this vision to be effective, "it is necessary to set realistically achievable goals and implement a regionally sensitive approach". This approach must take into account the need for a balance between environmental goals and economic realities in the sustainable use of marine resources; the specificities of different sea basins; the limited applicability of European Union law to basins shared with third countries and the role of regional sea conventions as a natural platform for cooperation.
The ministers also adopted conclusions on the European Strategy for the Sustainability of Water Resources. For Bulgaria, restoring the water cycle, ensuring clean and accessible water for all, and promoting a competitive water industry are key prerequisites for the sustainable development of the European Union.
The meeting will also present an information note from the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain on reflecting the environmental agenda in the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028-2034. The possible reduction of environmental funds raises serious concerns, as this would make it difficult to implement key policies, including the recently adopted Nature Restoration Regulation. For Bulgaria, the funds needed for biodiversity alone would be almost equal to the current investments in the entire environment sector. In this context, our country insists on preserving and strengthening the LIFE program - the only program entirely dedicated to the environment, as an independent and visible instrument in support of sustainable development and the EU's ecological transition.