The vice-speaker of the Bulgarian National Assembly Anastas Anastasov. Photo by BGNES
The Bulgarian Parliament is committed to working for an environmentally friendly economy, stated vice-speaker from the ruling GERB party Anastas Anastasov Tuesday.
Anastasov was opening a conference entitled "The New Green Economy - Bulgaria's Answer" at the National Assembly, co-organized by the Bulgarian School of politics.
A number of MPs, representatives of local authorities, businesses and NGOs, as well as foreign diplomats participated at the forum.
"Our responsibility as deputies is to work for a sustainable economy that can both give opportunities for jobs and social policy and preserve our harmony with the environment," stated Anastasov.
He also stressed that a low-carbon economy has not only much eco-benefits, but also gives opportunities for progress and inovation.
"We must promote and boost green investment and an overall transition to an economy producing more added value at less environmental impact," was the vice-speaker's commitment.
At the same time, president of the Bulgarian Wind Energy Association Kenneth Lefkovitz estimated that EUR 3-4 B of investments are needed for Bulgaria to meet the 2020 of 16% of energy coming from renewable sources.
This is the second conference for 2010 co-hosted by the Bulgarian Parliament and the School of Politics within the "Green Step Ahead" program.