Blocking Streets to Oppose Coal Phaseout Bulgaria has also decided to phase out coal, just in time to secure €2.2 billion in EU aid. However, there have been protests in the coal regions against this decision, with few arguments focused on climate protection being heard. For several days, demonstrators in Bulgaria have been blocking important highways, such as the Trakia route that connects Bulgaria’s capital Sofia with the Black Sea. They are demanding the government’s resignation. These men and women are employed in the coal industry and are protesting against the country’s coal phaseout by 2038, which was decided on Friday.
“We want an independent energy industry. We do not want to be betrayed. We want the government to come here and withdraw their plans. No one will leave from here,” say the voices on the street.
The plans involve gradually decommissioning coal-fired power plants and coal mines in the regions of Stara Zagora, Pernik, and Kjustendil in western and central Bulgaria. The workers will be compensated or employed by a state-owned transition company. The company will convert the affected areas into industrial zones. Funding for the structural transformation will come from the EU
Economy Minister Rumen Radew traveled to Stara Zagora on Saturday to convince the demonstrators. “We all certainly agree that jobs should not be lost,” he said, promising, “The proposed plans initiate the negotiation process with Brussels, rather than dictate it. The interest in jobs and energy security is our shared interest.”
The funding for the structural transformation will come from the European Union. If the government had not sent the energy transition plans to Brussels at the last minute over the weekend, Bulgaria would have missed out on over €720 million in funding. Brussels could have frozen an additional €1.5 billion in funds from the EU’s regional development program. Distrust towards the government
The demonstrators accuse the government of being greedy. “This energy transition will not happen as they say. They are throwing lies at the people. They want to take the money now – collect all the money, and then shut down the energy facilities.” These voices reflect deep distrust towards the government.
Stojan Stojanov is the leader of the second-largest Bulgarian trade union Podkrepa at the Maritsa East lignite coal mine. He fears devastating consequences for the entire Stara Zagora region. The region would lose 15,000 jobs, as well as approximately 90,000 other jobs indirectly related to the activities of the mine. “These families will be left without a livelihood. If a solution is not found now, these people will flee,” says the trade unionist. No meeting with the Prime Minister
Maritsa East power plant is one of the largest CO2 emitters in Europe. However, climate protection arguments hardly play a role in the debate.
After the unions canceled a meeting with the government on Sunday, Prime Minister Nikolaj Denkov called on the unions to return to the negotiating table. At the same time, Denkov accused the unions of interfering in the ongoing local election campaign. In three weeks, voters across the country will decide on mayoral positions. Prolonged protests could harm pro-Western government parties.
