The ENTRA Lab started the field research in Bulgaria as part of the Just Transition Observatory (JT Observatory) project. From November 18th to 20th, the ENTRA Lab team, led by Dr. Despoina Kanteler, PhD Candidate Fenia Pliatsika, and Associate Professor Dr. Lefteris Topaloglou, Director of ENTRA Lab, conducted extensive research in Stara Zagora, yielding valuable insights into the just energy transition process.
During this mission, the team conducted 19 in-depth interviews with experts, gaining crucial perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of just transition in Bulgaria. This research was made possible through the invaluable support of the Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZREDA) and its exceptional Director, Dr. Rumyana Grozeva, whose leadership played a key role in the success of the mission.
Special recognition goes to the SZREDA team, including Byliana for translating the online questionnaire, Tea Turlakova for organizing high-level meetings, and Gabriela, Antoaneta Zheleva, Anna, Vasil Demirev, Petia, and Remina Aleksieva for their dedication and support. We also extend our gratitude to key stakeholders, including Georgi Simeonov, Oleg Stoilov, Temenujka Sotirova, Plamen Barakov, Prof. Ivan Varlyakov, Prof. Boryana Paraskevova, and Assoc. Prof. Nedelina Kostantinova, for their valuable contributions.
Following the successful visit to Stara Zagora, the ENTRA Lab team continued its research efforts in Sofia, engaging with key stakeholders to further explore just transition governance. In Sofia, the team held insightful discussions with Snezhina Gabova and Antoniya Novakova from the Sofia Development Association, interviewed legal and green strategy expert Martin Mintchev, and engaged with energy transition professional Boyan Mitrakiev.
This field research mission in Bulgaria highlights ENTRA Lab’s commitment to advancing research and fostering collaborations that drive sustainable and equitable energy transition policies. The insights gained will significantly contribute to the ongoing development of the JT Observatory project and its role in shaping just transition strategies.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our work towards a more sustainable future!
