In order to increase the competitiveness of the European economy, it is necessary to focus the policy on industry, supporting the green and digital transition. Achieving industrial competitiveness is among the conditions for increased prosperity for all citizens of Europe. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Dr. Petko Nikolov, in his speech during the first discussion of its kind in our country on the Draghi report, organized by the Bulgarian Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers (BFIEK) and the Green Transition Forum, reported by the press center of the Ministry of Economy and Industry.
Representatives of the institutions, businesses and experts took part in the discussion of the “Dear Report – the new economic policy of the EU and the prospects for Bulgaria”.
Minister Nikolov pointed out that the key messages in the report are about the energy plans and the future development of the industry. “We believe that the industry should rely on European support in the complex processes of decarbonisation of enterprises, and where the technology has reached its limit, the activity of the industry should be supported by regulatory changes,” he said.
According to him, the overall evaluation of the Ministry of Economy and Industry for the “Dear” report is positive. dependencies of the EU – are adequate and timely and we support the conclusion that urgent measures are needed to significantly increase productivity and achieve growth,” the economy minister pointed out.
“Our position puts measures and solutions on the agenda, which, although laid down in the report, need rethinking and additional analyzes in order to respond to realities both in key sectors and the context in Bulgaria,” he added.
In his speech, Minister Nikolov pointed out that energy prices in the EU are high and deter investments, and climate goals are difficult to achieve in the medium term for enterprises from energy-intensive sectors. “To make the energy transition a possibility, the EU needs to synchronize all its policies with climate goals and come up with a Joint Decarbonisation and Competitiveness Plan that covers energy producers, clean technologies as well as energy-intensive companies that are difficult to reduce your emissions. We therefore support the key objectives of creating such a decarbonisation plan so that competitiveness is accelerated in a cost-effective way and energy costs are reduced for consumers and industry,” he added.
Dr. Nikolov also emphasized that the Ministry supports the need for changes in the industrial and trade policy of the EU highlighted in the report, with a focus on investments in innovation, clean energy technologies and better coordination between member states. According to him, this is necessary to maintain the competitiveness of the EU in global markets and to increase the predictability and stability of funding aimed at innovation. “Decreasing energy prices, securing supply chains and strengthening trade relations with key partners are particularly important,” he stressed.