Protest before the meeting on the future of the coal industry in Radnevo, miners, energy workers and trade union representatives refused to talk to Deputy Minister of Energy

The meeting on the future of the coal industry in Radnevo (Stara Zagora region, Southern Central Bulgaria) started with a protest on September 28. Hundreds of energy workers and miners as well as trade union representatives refused to meet with Deputy Energy Minister Krasimir Nenov and did not enter the hall to discuss the Territorial Plan for a Just Transition. They were adamant that they wanted to discuss the plan for another month as it was published yesterday at noon.

According to the people, the Territorial Just Transition Plans of the three coal regions - Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil - were made for the absorption of more than 1.5 billion euros by private companies.

"We will not allow to be traded away, we will not allow the billions that have been set aside for us, for our country, for our just transition. Today we feel abandoned. Who will hear our voice?" the energy workers asked.

Deputy Energy Minister Krasimir Nenov said that the plan for the Stara Zagora region does not list "recipients of large sums" by name or selected without a competitive procedure. The call for expressions of interest published by the Ministry of Energy on 15 August explicitly stated that "the list of productive investments and enterprises remains indicative, even after approval by the European Commission".

"Programming is yet to be carried out by the Ministry of Regional Development, which will happen only after the approval of the plans. There will be a public discussion of the guidelines, then there will be tenders and all potential participants, who are yet to apply, will be analysed, so there is absolutely no direct link to this list of company names and the actual future beneficiaries," said Krasimir Nenov, Deputy Energy Minister.

Tensions among miners and energy workers from the Maritsa East complex have already escalated and they are ready for new protest actions to protect not only their jobs but also Bulgaria's energy security and independence.