On February 11th, 2021, the Black Sea Energy Research Centrе and SZREDA Bulgaria hosted the 6th meeting of the working group of TRACER (Horizon 2020) and DeCarb (INTERREG Europe) projects.

The meeting was held both onsite and online with over 50 participants. Among the foreign panelists there were representatives of the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, coal regions in transition from Greece, Czech Republic and Slovenia.

The meeting focused on the preparation of the Territorial Just Transition Plans in the three Bulgarian regions – Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil.

The participants were briefed about the experience, lessons learnt and best practices of other EU coal regions undergoing similar processes, which can be implemented also by our regions.|

The Territorial Just Transition Plan for Stara Zagora Region is the milestone that will predetermine to a great extent the future development of the region. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to gather and exchange information and experience with other regions, organizations and institutions.