Background information

The Advisory Council for the European Green Deal, established in April 2020 under Bulgaria's Council of Ministers, supports the government in implementing policies aligned with the European Green Deal (EGD). Its key roles include proposing strategies, coordinating between stakeholders, monitoring progress on reforms, and fostering international cooperation.

In July 2022, the Council resumed operations with a revised structure to better address European legislative requirements and involve stakeholders in the decarbonisation process.

The Council is pivotal in guiding reforms and investments toward modernising Bulgaria’s economy, achieving decarbonisation goals, and positioning the country as a reliable partner in the green transition under the European Green Deal framework.

The Council comprises representatives from ministries, political parties, businesses, trade unions, academia, and NGOs. Specialised committees focus on areas like energy transition, sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, circular economy, climate adaptation, and public communications

Content of measure

The Advisory Council for the European Green Deal resumed its work with renewed structure and focus, aligning Bulgaria’s efforts with the European Green Deal. Chaired by the Minister of Environment and Water, the council’s primary role is to facilitate the country’s green transition through coordination, monitoring, and strategy implementation. The council’s agenda addresses climate neutrality, energy efficiency, and resource sustainability. It aims to achieve decarbonization goals, foster innovation, and engage stakeholders across government, businesses, and NGOs. Special emphasis is placed on implementing the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, ensuring funding for green projects and reforms.

Working groups focus on energy transition, sustainable mobility, and climate adaptation, while also improving public engagement and communications. The Council promotes collaboration with international organisations and positions Bulgaria as a strategic partner in achieving the EU’s green objectives.

This initiative highlights Bulgaria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic modernisation through coordinated, inclusive, and transparent governance.

Use of measure

n/a

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Applies to all workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Social partners jointly Trade unions Employers' organisations Other social actors (e.g. NGOs) Public employment service	No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Consulted	Consulted
Form	Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal	Any other form of consultation, institutionalised (as stable working groups or committees) or informal

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Social partners jointly
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

The social partners in the context of the Advisory Council for the European Green Deal are organisations representing the main groups of labour and capital. These include:

                        

                            Employer organisations – representing the interests of businesses and economic operators who are key to implementing green policies.
Trade unions – protecting the rights of workers and employees, with a focus on a just transition and social protection during the decarbonisation process.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – engaged in environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable development.
Academic and research institutes – providing expertise, innovation, and data related to green technologies and sustainability.


                        

                    

These social partners work along with the government institutions within the Council to ensure a balanced, effective, and fair implementation of the European Green Deal. They contribute proposals and opinions, ensuring that the interests of all affected stakeholders are considered in the green transition process

Views and reactions

Overall, while Bulgarian social partners support the environmental objectives of the European Green Deal, they advocate for flexibility in implementation timelines and active involvement in the Advisory Council to address national economic and social specificities.

Sources

• 05 July 2022: The European Green Deal Advisory Board resumes its wor (www.moew.government.bg)