President Rosen Plevneliev will propose drafting a long-term National Energy Package, which will set clear goals and standards for the development of the energy sector in Bulgaria in the next decades. This is what the head of state told journalists in Copenhagen. “In Denmark energy efficiency has been a consensus national priority for 30 years and the results are tangible,” the President commented, saying that Bulgaria can draw on Denmark’s experience in long-term planning.
Part of the topics that President Rosen Plevneliev and Danish Parliament Speaker Mogens Lykktoft debated during their meeting were the creation of a common European energy market, which is of strategic importance to Bulgaria, issues related to the energy connections in Europe and the measures Bulgaria takes regarding the implementation of the requirements of the Third Energy Liberalization Package. The two also said that the reforms in the healthcare and education sectors feature both on Bulgaria’s and Denmark’s agenda. The low literacy level among the young people is an issue that raises concerns.
Rosen Plevneliev and Mogens Lykktoft also debated the situation in Bulgaria and the priorities that the caretaker government has set. “I hope that after the general election a government legitimately elected by the people will be formed as soon as possible. It should start working from the very first day to address the problems in the energy sector, in the social sphere, in healthcare and education,” the head of state said. The protests in Bulgaria had deep repercussions in Denmark and the whole of Europe, the President added, recalling that although the people “went through the crisis in a democratic manner, they had expectations of the politicians. Therefore the politicians have hard work to do and should form a government with responsibility.”
The investors still encounter difficulties with respect to the predictability of the business environment and legislation in Bulgaria and more efforts in this respect are needed. This is what the President and representatives of the business circles agreed on during their meeting in Copenhagen. There is potential for Danish investments in the water supply sector, waste treatment, transport and logistics and Bulgaria stands the chance of becoming a hub for Danish business, the President informed. “However, it depends on us whether the rules will be obeyed and the serious investment potential will be exploited,” the head of state commented.
In the Copenhagen City Hall the head of state will deliver a public lecture titled “Sustainability of the policy and policies of Southeastern Europe”, which will mark the end of his two-day official visit to Denmark.