Stara Zagora City Council Unanimously Adopts Declaration to Keep Maritsa Iztok Mines and TPP in BEH.

Stara Zagora Municipal Council adopted a declaration opposing the removal of Mini Maritsa Iztok EAD and TPP Maritsa Iztok 2 EAD from the structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) during an extraordinary session dedicated to the future of the Maritsa Iztok energy complex, Bulgaria's energy security, and the economic stability of the Stara Zagora region.

The extraordinary session was convened with a single item on the agenda following a decision by the Council of Ministers to separate the two state-owned coal companies from BEH and establish them as part of a separate state-owned enterprise. The declaration was submitted by the municipal council groups of the Levitsata! Coalitions.

Through the adopted document, the Municipal Council calls for preventing the separation of Mini Maritsa Iztok EAD and TPP Maritsa Iztok 2 EAD from BEH. Presenting the declaration, Deyan Dyakov said the move would threaten not only the region's socio-economic development but also the stability of Bulgaria's electricity system. According to the declaration, such a restructuring could increase the country's long-term dependence on external energy suppliers.

The document calls for maintaining the two companies within BEH, preparing a long-term strategy for their sustainable operation until coal reserves are exhausted, preserving jobs until viable economic alternatives are created for the region, and adopting a stronger state position before European institutions to repeal or substantially revise the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) as it applies to coal-fired power generation.

The declaration also urges the inclusion of trade unions, employers, and the academic community as equal partners in decisions concerning the future of the region.

Deputy Mayor Radostin Tanev reaffirmed the municipality's support for the Maritsa Iztok complex, stating that protecting the interests of local residents and the future of the energy complex requires a united approach. According to the declaration, any long-term strategy should ensure the sustainable operation of the companies until coal reserves are depleted while recognizing their importance to Bulgaria's electricity system.