Solar panels on the roofs of the blocks, renovation of all public buildings, brighter and more economical street lighting - these are some of the examples that Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev gave for the projects that Bulgaria will apply to the European Commission for funding. In an interview with Nova TV, he spoke in more detail about the new recovery and sustainability fund, from which the country relies on BGN 6.2 billion to be absorbed by the end of 2025.
By the end of October, the government will announce what amounts and for what it will ask for from the European funds to restore the economy after the coronavirus pandemic and will hold public consultations. At the beginning of January at the latest, the package will be presented in Brussels, so that the absorption can begin in the middle of 2021 at the latest, Donchev explained.
What is known about the Bulgarian plan so far, read here.
In the interview today, the Deputy Prime Minister specified that BGN 4.5 billion have been pledged for energy efficiency. "By 2025, not a single kindergarten and school should go without energy efficiency. This does not mean only renovation and replacement of windows, but also hydro pumps, solar panels," said Donchev. The housing program will also continue, but the participation of the owners will be sought, he added. Part of the program also includes installing solar panels on the roofs of the panel blocks. "They are a unique opportunity, the quality of life will increase and bills will decrease," said Donchev.
Street lighting will also be improved. where it does not correspond to the needs of citizens.
Projects are also planned to improve energy efficiency in the industry. Now Bulgaria spends three times more per unit of GDP than in other countries, and the reason is the old machines, said Donchev. Over BGN 2 billion will be additionally allocated for professional education and applied science, and BGN 850 million for irrigation facilities.
Asked to comment on the new rule of law condition that Brussels is planning for the funded countries, Donchev replied that so far no one has clearly formulated what this means. "The European Commission services could not boil down to a simple rule what this means. European funding cannot be stopped as a result of political scandals, there are rules for that," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
