Urgent Revisions Needed: How the Climate Social Plan Can Better Support Our Most Vulnerable Communities

Fifteen leading organizations in Bulgaria, including WWF and Greenpeace, are pushing for changes to the national Climate Social Plan (CSP). Their goal? To make sure the plan truly helps the most vulnerable groups.

Starting in 2026, Bulgaria plans to distribute BGN 5 billion through the CSP. This fund aims to support households and small businesses that struggle with energy and transport costs. It’s designed to soften the expected price increases in gasoline, diesel, and natural gas due to the upcoming EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS 2). This scheme will begin in 2027 and aims to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

However, many believe the current draft of the CSP misses the mark. While it includes good initiatives—like funding for building renovations and intercity transport—it overlooks the true impact of the ETS 2 on those in need. The plan also heavily relies on local administrations to carry out its measures, but many municipalities have limited resources.

Currently, there’s no national method to accurately identify households that struggle with energy costs. This lack of clarity raises concerns about uneven distribution of funds. Plus, the criteria for identifying struggling transport households is vague, making it hard to see if the measures will work.

Teodora Peneva, a Senior Climate and Energy Expert at WWF Bulgaria, points out, “This plan could be a great start for tackling energy and transport poverty, but many measures are poorly targeted, lack clarity, and are complicated for local governments.”

These organizations are calling for improvements to make the CSP more effective. By better identifying and supporting those who need help, Bulgaria can make a real difference in fighting energy and transport poverty.

For more information on the impacts of climate policies, you can read the full report from the European Commission on the EU Emissions Trading System.

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