RUMEN RADEV: AMBITIONS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY OVER 55% UNTIL 2030 ALSO REQUIRE MEASURES THAT PROTECT COMPETITIVENESS AND SOCIAL TOLERANCE

"The great ambitions of the European Union to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 55% until 2030 place Bulgaria in a difficult position. Last December, the Council adopted this binding target and the European Commission is actively working on a big legislative package" stated President Rumen Radev in Brussels in front of the European Council.

The President stressed that given the circumstances Bulgaria has limited room for maneuver. "Therefore, we will insist on taking into account the specifics of the countries, the different start each member state has and the introduction of measures that protect competitiveness and ensure the social tolerance of the" green transition ", Rumen Radev announced.

The European Council will discuss the introduction of a European Digital Certificate for COVID-19 as well, as part of the common effort ensuring the freedom of movement of European citizens in terms of the pandemic.

"We need incentives to restore the work of important sectors in the economy and especially tourism," Rumen Radev clarified, adding that these certificates should not create new barriers, new obligations and should not in any way discriminate against European citizens.

EU member states are also to consider a mechanism for sharing vaccines from EU member states to third countries, with Bulgaria prioritizing the Western Balkan and mostly the Republic of Northern Macedonia.