The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark His Excellency Flemming Stender.

The two emphasized the sustainable partnership of the two countries within the EU and NATO and expressed their desire to deepen the cooperation in facing modern environmental challenges.

Minister Genov emphasized that Bulgaria's accession to the OECD is a top priority for our foreign policy and our country will continue to rely on Denmark's support.

During the conversation, it was pointed out that Bulgaria can use the experience and good practices implemented by Denmark in the field of renewable energy sources, innovations in the field of green technologies, water resource management, and waste utilization. Minister Genov expressed interest in the first facility in Denmark based on green hydrogen, which started operating only a few months ago, whereby hydrogen is used to propel large transport ships.

Denmark is among the most ambitious countries in the EU in terms of implementing the measures of the European Green Deal. It is one of the leading countries with ambitious policies on the Green Transition. Denmark has set itself a target of achieving 70% by 2030 and full climate neutrality by 2045.

Bulgaria's position was also elaborated, which supports the establishment of an intermediate climate target by 2040, in the context of efforts to achieve an effective, inclusive and just transition to climate neutrality by 2050. The Union's ambitious policy must contribute to economic convergence and social inclusion within the EU. It is critical to avoid an unfair economic transition to climate neutrality, to the detriment of the environment, regions, workers in sectors undergoing transformation, energy, transport, poor households, others affected, and vulnerable communities.

The successfully implemented Danish investments in Bulgaria and the interest of new companies to develop projects in our country were noted.

Minister Genov expressed readiness to support initiatives planned by the embassy during the Danish Presidency of the EU in the second half of this year.