The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov met with the Ambassador of France in Sofia His Excellency Joel Meyer, whereby the Minister presented the priorities of the environmental and climate policy aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life of the population.

Highlighting the long-standing historical partnership between Bulgaria and France, the two discussed current bilateral issues in the field of environment. They discussed topics, such as climate, energy transition, nuclear energy, waste recycling, and water resource management.

Comments were shared on the New Roadmap of the Bulgarian-French Strategic Partnership and the upcoming third UN Ocean Conference, which will be held in Nice from 9 to 13 June this year.

The two countries noted the successful cooperation that is being built with the implementation of the EcoMunicipality Competition. The competition is traditionally organized by the Embassy of France and the French Institute in Bulgaria, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Water and aims to recognize the efforts by Bulgarian municipalities to improve the quality of life by promoting sustainable urban development. The winning municipalities visit sites in French cities that are innovative in urban mobility, waste valorization, and energy transition.

The meeting was also attended by the President of the Franch-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, Stephane Delahaye. The Chamber brings together around 350 French, Bulgarian, and international companies.

During the meeting, it was shared that French companies that have made successful investments in Bulgaria plan to expand their activities in accordance with the highest environmental standards.

Ambassador Meyer invited Minister Manol Genov to a forum on water management in May at the French Institute.