Tsvetelina Penkova, the first Bulgarian MEP to participate at the UN climate summit COP29, took a historic step for Bulgaria and its role in global climate processes. This significant event, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, underscores our country's commitment to addressing climate challenges and clearly raises the issue of the need for adequate funding for the transition to a clean energy and economy.
As a representative of Bulgaria and the European Parliament, Tsvetelina Penkova held a number of high-level meetings with key international leaders. In her conversations with Ana Toni, Vice Minister of Environment of Brazil, Zhao Yingmin, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment of China, and Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice Minister of Global Environmental Affairs of Japan, Penkova emphasized the need to introduce of clean technologies and joint projects.
Her meeting with Chinese Vice Minister Zhao Yingmin was particularly significant, where the two discussed the need for close collaboration between the EU and China. The meeting with Yutaka Matsuzawa focused on innovations in production processes, offering opportunities for joint energy efficiency projects.
Penkova highlighted the need for adequate financing of climate initiatives – it is a key element for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Bulgaria, as part of the European Union, can play an important role in helping developing countries by sharing experience and technology. This not only strengthens international cooperation, but also opens new markets for Bulgarian industry and research and development, stimulating economic growth and innovation.
The Bulgarian MEP also emphasized the need for partnerships with the EU to offset high capital costs in developing countries, through a focus on clean industry and technology. This is important for Bulgaria, which can use these partnerships to attract investments and develop its industrial potential. Our country has the opportunity to become a leader in clean technologies, which would lead to the creation of new jobs and strengthening of the economy.
Focusing on children's policy in the context of climate change, Penkova, in collaboration with Joan Yoland Pegram of UNICEF, emphasized the development of policies that will protect and support the most vulnerable groups – the children. The MEP emphasized that children should be at the center of political efforts through measures to improve access to education, healthcare and basic services. “Children are our future. Therefore, the protection of the most vulnerable members of society is not only a moral duty, but also a strategic investment in the future of Bulgaria.“
Penkova also expanded the discussions to the development of public-private partnerships and education system reform, discussing these topics with Miira Al Suaidi and Marwan Al Muhiri from the United Arab Emirates. These conversations highlight the importance of education in creating a sustainable and prosperous society capable of addressing climate challenges.
During the meeting, Penkova strengthened the strategic partnership for Bulgaria and the European Union with Azerbaijan in the field of energy. In his conversations with key figures such as Samad Seyidov and Gulshan Pashayeva, the MEP emphasized green energy transmission projects, which are essential for stability and prosperity in the region. This strategic cooperation not only strengthens the energy security of Bulgaria and Europe, but also supports the goals of sustainable development of the entire region.
The MEP actively participates in the development of policies aimed at reducing energy costs and increasing Europe's competitiveness. Penkova emphasized the importance of legislative initiatives that promote energy efficiency and the diversification of energy sources. Its efforts and questions to the international community highlight the need for joint action and adequate financing to address the climate challenges that affect all peoples of the world. “Improving energy security and reducing energy costs will have a direct impact on the daily life of people in Bulgaria, Europe and the whole world. Lower electricity bills and increased use of renewable sources will facilitate access to clean energy, which will contribute to a better quality of life and health.“, said the MEP.
Committed to representing Bulgarian and European interests, Penkova also held a series of key meetings with other leaders, ministers and congressmen from around the world, including ministers from Uganda, Colombia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Samoa and the Philippines. These talks highlighted topics important to COP29, such as climate finance, green technologies, energy efficiency and sustainable solutions. The MEP emphasized the role of the European Union in providing financial and technological support to vulnerable countries, showing how Bulgaria can become a main driver in these efforts. The meeting with the Environment Minister of Bangladesh and the representatives of the island states showed that Bulgaria has the unique ability to not only be an assistant to countries facing climate crises, but also a bridge connecting their needs with European policy and funding.
Tsvetelina Penkova played a key role in promoting Bulgaria's scientific achievements and innovations during COP29. At the international forum, she actively presented our country as an example of an effective combination of science and sustainable development. Penkova highlighted the projects of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences as proof of Bulgaria's leading position in the region. These initiatives related to the protection of biodiversity, the restoration of wetlands and the study of small glaciers in South-Eastern Europe show the real capacity of the country to contribute to solving global climate challenges.
An important focus of Penkova's discussions at COP29 was sustainable and clean transport. Together with the Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Zhivko Petrov and our ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ruslan Stoyanov, projects that Bulgaria will develop in this direction were discussed and presented. These initiatives demonstrate the country's serious commitment to transport innovations that not only reduce carbon emissions, but also modernize infrastructure at a regional and global level.
„Our goal is to make Bulgaria a leader in clean technologies and sustainable development. Through collaboration and innovation, we can create a better future for all of us by reducing our carbon footprint and improving people's quality of life.“ – Tsvetelina Penkova
As an active supporter of clean energy, Penkova emphasizes the importance of investments in energy efficiency. The MEP emphasized that such efforts will not only reduce household expenses, but also strengthen the competitiveness of our economy. Tsvetelina Penkova works tirelessly to attract public-private partnerships to support sustainable projects that will stimulate economic growth and create new jobs. Her vision positions Bulgaria as a regional leader in the transition to a green economy, inspiring other countries to follow our example.
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