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Политически брифинг № 106 на CSD: ЗА ЦЯЛОСТНО ЗЕЛЕНО ВЪЗСТАНОВЯВАНЕ НА БЪЛГАРИЯ

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian

The European Green Deal is potentially the strongest instrument for reversing climate change and for increasing the energy security of the EU and its members. Yet, the drive towards decarbonization supported by funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Next Generation EU will have to overcome the considerable headwinds of climate skepticism and opposition in EU societies, fueled by domestic and foreign political pressure. // The EU has provided the Bulgarian government with unprecedentedly large resources for decarbonization. But without strategic vision, they would line the pockets of the country’s powerful energy lobbyists with strong links to Russia. The last version of the NRRP sent for approval to the European Commission was a step in the right direction. The Plan has a better macroeco№mic basis than previous versions, and the focus on in№vation and the energy transition is much stronger. However, the new NRRP still does №t rein in state capture practices in the energy sector, which have prevented the low-carbon transition from taking firm roots so far.

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CSD Policy Brief №. 108: EU Energy and Climate Security Strategy to Counter the Russian Aggression in Europe.

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

The Russian invasion in Ukraine and the resulting energy and geopolitical crisis have clearly demonstrated that accommodating Russia, even when its foreign policy undermines European security, is № longer defensible. The Russian aggression in Europe and the critical dependence on Russian oil and gas imports have clearly demonstrated the need for a new European energy and climate security strategy. European governments are №t only struggling to guarantee a reliable and cheap supply of energy but are also failing to overcome a fossil fuel lock-in. // The most effective way to stop the Kremlin’s aggression is for Europe to ban oil and gas imports from Russia that could cripple the Russian eco№my in 8 to 11 months. This needs to be accompanied by emergency measures to protect vulnerable consumers and alleviate Europe’s critical vulnerabilities before the next heating season. In the long run, a full fossil fuel phase-out is the most sustainable way to improve energy and climate security. Decarbonizing energy markets will also deliver a blow to the Kremlin’s eco№mic and political influence in Europe.

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Политически брифинг № 109 на CSD: СЦЕНАРИИ ЗА ТЕХНОЛОГИЧНИ И ПОЛИТИЧЕСКИ ИНОВАЦИИ ЗА ОСЪЩЕСТВЯВАНЕ НА ЕНЕРГИЙНИЯ ПРЕХОД В БЪЛГАРИЯ

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian

Bulgaria still lacks clearly defined long-term goals and a transparent framework for decision-making regarding the country’s energy and climate security policy. This increases the country’s economic vulnerability and undermines the feasibility of its transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050. The ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine further raises the need for an updated energy and climate security strategy that would improve the country’s energy independence and diminish the role of fossil fuels for the local economy. // This analysis summarizes the policy implications for Bulgaria from the insights from two studies based on independent modelling showing the impact from the coal phase out and the lignite power replacement with renewable energy sources by 2030. The assessment also discusses the scenarios for the feasibility of the uptake of renewable energy, hydrogen and power storage technoogies by 2050.

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CSD Policy Brief №. 110: Tackling the Energy and Climate Security Conundrum in Southeast Europe.

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has exposed Europe’s most painful energy and climate security vulnerabilities. It has exacerbated the energy crisis that has been raging since 2021, while also showcasing the excessive reliance of many EU Member States on Russian fossil fuel exports. Southeast Europe (SEE) is especially vulnerable to energy and climate security risks due to a myriad of factors. Tackling the region’s comprehensive energy security risks without comprising the climate transition process requires strong political will and the design of a new more ambitious energy and climate security strategy based on a comprehensive data-driven policy instruments such as European Energy and Climate Security Risk Index (ECSRI) that would enable the comparative monitoring of EU and national progress on a number of energy security, climate transition and good governance indicators. This policy brief pilots the ECSRI for Bulgaria, Romania and Greece as some of the most vulnerable EU Member States to energy and climate security risks.

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Политически брифинг № 114 на CSD: КЪМ НОВА РЕГУЛАТОРНА РАМКА ЗА РАЗВИТИЕ НА ОФШОРНАТА ВЯТЪРНА ЕНЕРГИЯ В БЪЛГАРИЯ

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian

In the aftermath of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, it is imperative that European countries embark on a new energy policy pathway towards independence from fossil fuel imports. Unlocking the full potential of the European seas for offshore wind energy would play a key role in achieving the EU’s energy and climate security targets in the coming decades until 2050. Bulgaria is the only littoral EU member state yet to begin developing the sector. This policy brief is intended to support Bulgarian policymakers on their journey of adopting and implementing a regulatory framework for offshore wind energy roll-out, while bridging existing governance gaps in the national energy policy. It draws out the contours of a new regulatory framework that reflects the experience of mature markets in Europe. // The adoption of a special law, a Bulgarian Offshore Renewable Energy Act, would be the optimal approach to avoid potential conflicts with other existing legislative acts and secondary legislation. The law would serve to coordinate the competencies of the authorities that govern the different phases of offshore wind project implementation (including planning, construction, operation and decommissioning of power generation facilities at sea). The law will open up market competition and would attract experienced companies from mature markets in Europe. It would guarantee that the Bulgarian government will be positioned to develop the areas with the best natural wind energy potential in the Bulgarian section of the Black Sea at the lowest cost for society and in the most sustainable manner.

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Политически брифинг № 122 на CSD: ЕНЕРГИЙНА БЕДНОСТ И ДЕКАРБОНИЗАЦИЯ: ОЦЕНКА НА ВЪЗДЕЙСТВИЕТО НА ЦЕНАТА НА ВЪГЛЕРОДНИТЕ ЕМИСИИ В ЦЕНТРАЛНА ЕВРОПА

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian

The European Union is facing one of the most difficult energy and climate security crisis in its history. The surge in energy prices that began already before the Russian invasion in Ukraine has starkly revealed the need for a new global strategy for solving the energy policy trilemma of security of supply, affordability and sustainability, all the while minimizing geopolitical risks. The high fossil energy intensity of most European economies has been a key factor behind the rising energy poverty across the continent. Developing effective policy instruments to accelerate the decarbonisation of the European economy is therefore not only addressing climate security concerns, but will also preserve Europe’s economic competitiveness and social welfare. // Carbon pricing mechanisms could be such tools as they provide incentives to consumers to reduce energy consumption, diversify their energy mix away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy sources. A comprehensive analysis of the macro- and microeconomic effects of the introduction of a carbon price, developed in collaboration with partners from Germany, Romania, Hungary and Poland, shows that introducing a carbon price, at levels that would achieve a 40% reduction in emissions between 2022 and 2032, would have no significantly negative impact on the countries’ macroeconomic performance and would have the potential to improve overall social welfare, as long as tax revenues are redistributed back to the general population.

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CSD Policy Brief №. 124: Countering Green Deal Disinformation Narratives in Bulgaria.

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has once again highlighted the risks associated with the EU’s considerable dependence on conventional energy supplies from Russia. Although the current energy crisis began before the war, Russia exacerbated the situation in an effort to blackmail the EU and its members to abandon their common energy security strategy, green transition plans, and foreign policy stance in support of Ukraine. The invasion has, however, served to expedite the EU’s diversification away from Russian energy and has also shown signs of potentially hastening the transition away from fossil fuels. As such, the European Green Deal has taken on a new significance as a means of addressing the implications of the war and of reducing the EU’s dependence on Russian energy and its vulnerability to the Kremlin’s authoritarian overreach. // Bulgaria remains one of the most vulnerable EU and NATO member states to foreign authoritarian influence. The country has long been among the Kremlin’s favourite targets and playgrounds for its information warfare. The Kremlin’s propaganda and disinformation in the country have increasingly targeted the European Green Deal, as part of its ongoing campaign of promoting large-scale Russian energy projects. In 2021 most of the local disinformation related to the Green Deal in Bulgaria was produced and disseminated by Bulgarian media and political and economic entities known for systematically amplifying the Kremlin’s influence. Given Bulgaria’s significant vulnerability to disinformation and the low levels of information literacy in the country, these activities cast doubt on Bulgaria’s ability to abide by its commitments regarding the Green Deal.

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CSD Policy Brief №. 125: Solving the Energy Poverty and Decarbonisation Conundrum with Carbon Pricing.

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

Bulgaria is facing some of the most severe energy poverty risks in the EU. Skyrocketing energy prices and high inflation rates following the Russian invasion in Ukraine have starkly demonstrated the detrimental impact from the slow pace of the energy transition and the excessive fossil energy intensity of the Bulgarian economy. At the same time, Kremlin-linked disinformation narratives that blame high energy prices on the EU Green Deal aim to undermine political stability and to delay the country’s long-term decarbonisation policy, ultimately keeping Bulgaria in the current socio-economic, political and energy path-dependencies. // Carbon pricing, the cornerstone of the EU de­carbonisation strategy, coupled with well-implemented tax revenue redistribution policies, could contrib­ute to a net welfare gain for the poorest 50% of Bulgarian households, reducing energy poverty and social inequalities in the country. It would also provide macroeconomic benefits such as improving the labour market conditions, increasing the value added of the energy sector, and strengthening energy security without slowing economic growth in the process. These are some of the key takeaways from a comprehensive assessment of the macro- and microeconomic effects of the introduction of carbon pricing to cover the entire national economies of Bulgaria Germany, Romania, Hungary and Poland.

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CSD Policy Brief №. 138: The Lowest Hanging Fruit: Realising the Wind Energy Potential in Bulgaria

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian

Wind generated electricity offers several advantages, including high capacity factors and resilience against seasonal variations, resulting in a relatively low Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). Additionally, wind projects require less land acquisition and can complement other agricultural or economic activities. Wind energy plays a crucial role in stabilizing the power grid during periods of reduced sunlight, and during times of excess electricity supply, the surplus power can be utilized for hydrogen production in industries. The slow adoption of wind energy in Bulgaria can be primarily attributed to various governance shortcomings. These include frequent and unplanned changes in regulations, technical and administrative obstacles before grid access, opposition from local communities, land use and environmental conflicts, and a general lack of political commitment to accelerate the investments in the sector. // This policy brief is a brief overview of a detailed study overseen by the Austrian Institute of Technology assessing the technically achievable onshore and offshore wind energy potential in Bulgaria. It also pinpoints essential policy actions needed to harness this potential while safeguarding power supply security and adhering to the most stringent standards for land use, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.

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Международна научна конференция „Мултидисциплинарни иновации за социални промени: Образователни трансформации и предприемачество”

Author(s): / Language(s): English,Bulgarian

The topic of the new series of conferences is set by the COST Action "Multidisciplinary Innovation for Social Change" held in the period October 2019 - April 2024 and is a continuation of the achievements of over 100 researchers from 35 countries in this direction. At its core is the quadrangle of collaboration between different fields of knowledge, including higher education, secondary education and training, research and business, leading to the creation of new products, services and practices with a positive impact on society.

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FINANCIAL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE – CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS

Author(s): Nadya Velinova Sokolova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Transitioning to a sustainable future with inclusive, green economies, financial innovation and resilient ecosystems requires huge investments. The development of suitable framework conditions is a requirement for encouraging private financial market players towards sustainability. A key requirement for the development of a sustainable financial system is a uniform taxonomy of sustainability. Ongoing research highlights how the adoption of new technologies can contribute to improved environmental outcomes and it is also argued that investments by firms in sustainable strategies should generate positive returns in terms of competitivity The purpose of this article is to present the impact of evaluation of financial innovation in the context of sustainable development, the challenges of assessment of financial innovation in the process on management and analyses. The results of the study show that the findings confirm that green innovation is indeed an extremely complex phenomenon.

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BRIDGING THE GAP: FINANCING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Author(s): Nikolay Yordanov,Kamelia Asenova / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The adoption of a circular economy (CE) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a vital approach for achieving sustainable development. However, it has substantial financial obstacles, specifically in obtaining sufficient finance. This paper examines the function of green bonds as a fundamental financial tool to address the financing gap with respect to the CE in CEE. We analyze the current state of green bond markets in the region. By conducting research of green bond issuances, we investigate the effectiveness, difficulties, and future possibilities of green bonds in promoting the circular economy agenda. The results suggest that although green bonds have begun to acquire popularity, there are significant possibilities for expansion and improvement. The paper provides strategic ideas for policymakers, financial institutions, and enterprises to effectively utilize green bonds in expediting the shift towards a circular economy in CEE.

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EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA AS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Author(s): Da-Nina Rose / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The concept of circular economies is gaining prominence in political debate and corporate discourse globally as a sustainable development model that aims to improve resource productivity, promote sustainable consumption and production, and reduce environmental impacts. In South Africa, the adoption of circular economy principles is seen as a promising pathway to address environmental and resource management challenges while fostering economic growth and sustainability. This paper considers how South African organisations are using circularity to establish competitive advantage for their operations and the greater society.

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DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY: THE NEXUS OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND INNOVATION, THE EXAMPLE OF SINGAPORE’S DEVELOPMENT AS A LEADING MODEL

Author(s): Violena Hubenova Nencheva / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In a world marked by burgeoning populations, finite resources, and escalating environmental concerns, the traditional linear economic model of take-make-dispose is proving unsustainable. Enter the circular economy, a transformative concept reshaping the way we produce, consume, and discard. At its core, the circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource depletion by designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. Yet, the realization of this vision hinges not only on visionary principles but also on the relentless pursuit of innovation. Innovation lies at the heart of the circular economy, driving its evolution from theory to practice. It encompasses a spectrum of advancements spanning technological breakthroughs, business models, policy frameworks, and societal shifts. Through innovation, we reimagine products as services, embrace renewable energy sources, harness digital technologies for resource optimization, and forge symbiotic relationships within ecosystems. Moreover, innovation fosters resilience, empowering businesses to adapt to shifting market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and consumer preferences.

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НАСЪРЧАВАНЕ НА ЗЕЛЕНИЯ ПРЕХОД ЧРЕЗ УНИВЕРСИТЕТСКО ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ ПО ЗЕЛЕНИ СТАНДАРТИ

Author(s): Diana Sabotinova,Mariya Monova-Zheleva,Yanislav Zhelev / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

Promoting the green transition through university education on green standards aims to contribute to the sustainable, green, and digital goals of the European Union by providing innovative micro-credential university courses related to environmental and governance standards to improve digital and green opportunities of the higher education sector. Some findings and results of the research project „Boosting the Green Future via University Micro-Credentials“ (B-Green-ED) conducted in four EU countries - Bulgaria, Lithuania, Spain, and Romania - are presented.

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Scientia Moralitas Conference Proceedings

Author(s): / Language(s): English

These proceedings represent the work of contributors to the Scientia Moralitas Conference held online on February 19-20, 2023. The conference was organized by the Scientia Moralitas Research Institute and the Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies. The objective of this conference is to promote multidisciplinary research in social sciences, humanities, and ethics and facilitate discussions on contemporary real-world challenges.

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Behavioral Insights fostering ‘Pay for Sustainability’ Remuneration Schemes

Author(s): Julia M. Puaschunder / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In the aftermath of the 2008/09 World Financial Recession as well as after the COVID-19 external economic shock fallout, the stakeholder interest in integrating social considerations in corporate and finance market endeavors has risen steadily. The looming climate change crisis has exacerbated the call for sustainability in economics, finance and professional governance and leadership. In the USA and Europe, Green New Deals are governmental projects to imbue sustainability practices in corporate and financial sector activities. In the area of capital market supervision in the USA, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed mandatory disclosures regarding climate change risks in the wake of attention to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). In Europe, the European Sustainable Finance Taxonomy classifies industry’s CO2 emission levels in order to use transparency to curb environmentally-harmful activities for the sake of sustainability. Financial Social Responsibility continues to grow in qualitative and quantitative terms, foremost in Socially Responsible Investment (SRI). The corporate sector has responded to all these sustainability trends with the concept of ‘Pay for Sustainability’ as an executive compensation form that either lowers variable pay if sustainability is not implemented or provides executive bonuses for pro-active sustainability integration into corporate activities. This paper addresses contributions of behavioral economics for improving the acceptance and efficiency of ‘Pay for Sustainability’ remuneration schemes in three features: (1) Socio-psychological aspects of remuneration that heighten social status and social belonging imbuing meaning and purpose to work; (2) Temporal bundling strategies that help decision makers envision now and the future at the same time, which helps aligning short-term with long-term goals of corporations; (3) Prospect Theory’s insights that losses emotionally loom larger than gains, which provides valuable communication nudges for outlining the intangible emotional value of sustainability care. Overall, this article discusses the current state of ‘Pay for Sustainability’ remuneration and highlights positive affirmation and communication nudges to work with social status-enhancing behavioral communication features that boost the positive acceptance of and reaction to ‘Pay for Sustainability.’

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Trends in the Field of Energy Security

Author(s): Doina Mureșan,Alexandru Petrea / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The predicted impact of climate change is becoming increasingly visible. Environmental and climate-related risks, including extreme weather events, water scarcity and failure to adapt to and mitigate climate change, are among the main risks facing the world. Policymakers, researchers and the public increasingly recognize the need to address climate-related security risks through cooperation and dialogue. Thus, the global energy sector is going through a deep and rapid transformation and failure to recognize megatrends would be harmful to the development of energy security strategies.

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Стойности на земята: изграждане на символни граници срещу строежа на ВЕИ парк в селата Книжовник и Долно Войводино

Author(s): Rosalina Todorova / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

Drawing upon qualitative data from in-depth and semi-structured interviews, this article discusses the process of social actor construction. In a dynamic situation where non-arable public land – a key resources, which has historically been at the disposal of the local population – is planned for concession for the development of a photovoltaic farm, a new social network emerges. A network, consisting of the two opposing sides – the investor and the locals from the two nearby villages, and the legal land owner – the municipality. In order for this conflict to be resolved, the local villagers attempt to position themselves as a potent civic actor. One that is concise and legitimate. In order to do that, they transform social and symbolic boundaries around themselves and around the land, by employing available cultural repertoires.

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Green and digital transition in the European Union. Report from the seminar under the project of Jean Monnet Center of Excellence “Resilient and transforming Europe” Transform EU

Author(s): / Language(s): English,Polish

In the European Union, green and digital transition are being addressed through ambitious policy frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Digital Europe Programme. Globally, efforts are coordinated through international agreements like the Paris Agreement and various UN initiatives. Both transitions offer opportunities for economic growth, improved quality of life, and enhanced sustainability. However, they also require significant investment, policy coordination, and societal adaptation to navigate successfully. In the light of the aforementioned challenges we provide four views on the problems and prospective solutions. The experts shared their knowledge during the webinar “Green and digital transition in the EU” organised under the project of Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence project “Resilient and transforming Europe” (Transform EU) on January 17, 2024 at the Poznań University of Economics and Business in Poznan. W Unii Europejskiej zielona i cyfrowa transformacja są przeprowadzane z wykorzystaniem ambitnych programów politycznych, takich jak Europejski Zielony Ład i Cyfrowa Europa. W skali globalnej wysiłki są koordynowane w ramach umów międzynarodowych, takich jak porozumienie paryskie i różne inicjatywy ONZ. Omawiane transformacje mogą przyczynić się do wzrostu gospodarczego, poprawy jakości życia i zrównoważonego rozwoju. Wymagają one jednak również znacznych inwestycji, koordynacji polityki i adaptacji społecznej, aby mogły być skutecznie przeprowadzone. W świetle tych wyzwań przedstawiamy cztery poglądy na temat problemów i potencjalnych rozwiązań. Eksperci podzielili się swoją wiedzą podczas webinarium „Green and digital transition in the EU” (Zielona i cyfrowa transformacja w UE) zorganizowanego w ramach projektu Centrum Doskonałości Jeana Monneta „Resilient and transforming Europe” (Transform EU) w dniu 17 stycznia 2024 r. na Uniwersytecie Ekonomicznym w Poznaniu.

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