How to foster a robust and eco-friendly European industry? One of the solutions lies in the European Regulation for Net Zero Emission Industry. This critical topic was deliberated upon during a roundtable discussion held at the National Assembly, spearheaded by Tsvetelina Penkova, an MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance in the European Parliament, and Christian Vigenin, the deputy speaker of the parliament. Eminent figures from regulatory bodies, institutions, industry, and academia lent their insights to the conversation.
The roundtable saw participation from delegates representing the Association “Solar Academy Bulgaria,” the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, metallurgical and cement industry associations, KNSB, the Institute for Energy Management, energy regulators, the Electricity System Operator, the non-ferrous metals industry, electricity distribution companies, the construction sector, and academia.
Setting the tone for the discussion, MEP Tsvetelina Penkova remarked, “Europe is at the forefront of innovation and new industry development. Unlike the past, our energy resources are finite. It is now imperative to seek long-term sustainable solutions.” She highlighted that legislation for net zero emissions industry is already in progress in the European Parliament, designed to bolster clean technology production within the EU. This legislative endeavor aims to attract investments, enhance market access for clean technologies, stimulate job creation, and spawn new industries. Furthermore, it is poised to heighten EU industry competitiveness and contribute to energy independence efforts.
Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, Christian Vigenin, emphasized the significance of the unprecedented meeting between representatives from the European Parliament and the Bulgarian National Assembly. This collaboration seeks to synchronize legislative initiatives at the European and national levels, ensuring that Bulgarian interests are safeguarded in the decision-making process. Vigenin pledged the National Assembly’s vigilance and commitment to overseeing the implementation of this legislative package, fostering accountability, and aligning executive power positions with Bulgarian priorities.
MEP Tsvetelina Penkova outlined her objectives as the rapporteur for the legislation, emphasizing the imperative that by 2030, a minimum of 40% of the Union’s strategic technological capacity for producing zero net emissions technologies and components must be cultivated within the EU. Penkova underscored her dedication to advocating for the domestic production of a comprehensive range of technologies, including photovoltaics, heat pumps, batteries, electrolyzers, wind installations, sea-based renewable sources, power network technologies, sustainable fuels, and nuclear power generation technologies, with the list expanding as new innovations emerge.