In brief
The World Bank Group presented its latest poverty and equity assessment, 'Green and Inclusive Futures', at an event in Sofia, inviting Bulgarian labor, energy ministers, and civil society representatives. The report highlights Bulgaria’s progress in reducing poverty, identifies regions and groups still lagging, and explores the potential impact of the EU green transition and carbon pricing on household budgets. It offers reform recommendations that will inform the upcoming EU Anti‑Poverty Strategy and Bulgaria’s Social Climate Plan.
In Sofia, the World Bank Group held a meeting to present its newest poverty and equity assessment, titled “Green and Inclusive Futures: Building Opportunity in the Green Transition.” The event brought together ministers, Deputy Ministers, and the Country Manager for Bulgaria, along with civil‑society partners. Participants reviewed the report’s findings and discussed future policy actions.
Scope of the Assessment
The assessment focuses on Bulgaria’s progress in lowering poverty rates and improving well‑being across the country. It examines the factors that have driven success and the reasons some regions continue to lag behind. The document also evaluates how the EU’s green transition and the introduction of carbon pricing may impact household budgets.
Key issues highlighted include disparities between urban and rural areas, the situation of vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with disabilities, and the regional differences in employment opportunities. The report suggests that while overall poverty has decreased, inequality continues to widen in certain provinces.
The analysis of the green transition shows that environmental policies could stricter standards on industries, leading to higher production costs that may affect low‑income households. The report estimates that without safeguards, carbon pricing could increase living costs for families living on modest incomes.
In response, the assessment proposes a set of reform recommendations aimed at protecting vulnerable communities. These include targeted fiscal measures, subsidies for low‑income households, and investment in green technologies that create new employment opportunities.
Another focus of the assessment is the development of Bulgaria’s Social Climate Plan. The report outlines how the country can align its social spending with climate goals, ensuring that environmental objectives do not undermine social protection.
During the event, Nataliya Efremova, the Minister of Labour and Social Policy, emphasized the importance of integrating social equity into the green agenda. She noted that the government is committed to ensuring that the transition to a greener economy will not leave vulnerable populations behind.
Lyubomira Gancheva, Deputy Minister of Energy, highlighted the energy sector’s role in both achieving environmental targets and maintaining affordable energy prices for consumers. She underscored the need for policy coordination between the energy and social ministries.
The World Bank’s Country Manager for Bulgaria, Jason Pellmar, spoke about the organization’s partnership with Bulgarian ministries. He pointed out that the Bank’s research provides a factual basis for policymakers to design interventions that are both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
Civil‑society representatives present at the event echoed the calls for inclusive policy planning. They stressed that reform efforts must involve community stakeholders to address local challenges effectively.
The assessment will serve as a conceptual base for discussions on the upcoming EU Anti‑Poverty Strategy and Bulgaria’s Social Climate Plan. The integration of these frameworks aims to create coherent policies that address both poverty and climate change.
In the following weeks, the World Bank Group will share its recommendations with government officials and civil society actors. The event in Sofia marks a significant step toward aligning Bulgaria’s social and environmental policies with EU priorities.
