The European Commission approved a grant from the Just Transition Fund under the Operational Programme “Development of Regions” 2021-2027 in the amount of approximately 2.3 billion BGN for Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik, as well as municipalities adjacent to Stara Zagora. The government’s priority now is to reach the regions as quickly, efficiently and transparently as possible, with the aim of preserving and creating more than 15 000 jobs.

The funds approved for the next six years will finance activities to improve mining sites for industrial needs, support workers after mapping their skills, finance energy efficiency with a focus on vulnerable households, develop industrial parks and areas, develop the production of components and electricity from renewable sources, and support the diversification of the economy through new businesses. Investments by large companies will also be supported in the Stara Zagora region, where more than 20 companies have already expressed preliminary interest.

Source: Council of Ministers