The Territorial Just Transition Plans for the three coal regions - Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik, have already been sent to Brussels, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy Rumen Radev announced after a 3-hour meeting with the administrative management of Maritsa-East-2 Thermal Power Plant over the protests of miners and energy workers, which led to long blockades of Trakia motorway, the Sub-Balkan road and the Passage of the Republic (Hainboaz). Representatives of the protesters were also invited to the talks, but they refused to meet with the minister. Protesters insist that Minister Radev meets with them at the places where traffic is blocked.

"Jobs should not be lost. The Territorial Just Transition Plans sent to the European Commission are indicative. They start the negotiation process with Brussels, but they do not predetermine it", Minister Radev assured. "The territorial plans aim to create prerequisites for projects that should come from the private sector", Minister Radev said. Miners and energy workers are unhappy with the Territorial Just Transition Plans, which were sent to the European Commission today.

• Roads in Bulgaria remain blocked by protesting miners and energy workers