Aiming to promote research and enhance sustainable and fair energy transitions, the ENTRA Lab – Energy Transition & Development Transformation Laboratory – has embarked on a project under the Just Transition Observatory (JT Observatory). This initiative explores governance frameworks for energy transition in three countries: Bulgaria, Greece, and Poland. Its objective is to conduct interviews and focus groups with experts in these countries to gather critical insights into the challenges and opportunities in the governance of a just energy transition.
The recent visit to Bulgaria, covering the cities of Stara Zagora and Sofia, marked the first step in the field research, laying a strong foundation for the continuation of this effort.
From November 18 to 20, the ENTRA Lab team – consisting of Dr. Despina Kandler, Ph.D. Candidate Fenia Pliatsika, and Associate Professor Dr. Lefteris Topaloglou, Director of ENTRA Lab – visited Stara Zagora to conduct 19 in-depth interviews and focus groups with experts on energy transition issues. These discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges of energy transition governance, which will play a pivotal role in the outcomes of the JT Observatory project.
Collaboration with the Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZREDA) was instrumental in the success of this mission. Under the outstanding leadership of Dr. Roumyana Grozeva, the SZREDA team provided unwavering support, from resource mobilization to facilitating interviews with key stakeholders. The dedication and efforts of the team were truly inspiring and critical to the mission’s completion.
Special thanks are extended to Biliana for her tireless work translating the online questionnaire, as well as to Thea Turlakova, whose meticulous preparation ensured the smooth organization of high-level meetings. Appreciation is also expressed to Gabriela, Antoneta Zheleva, Anna, Vasil Dimirev, Petya, and Remina Alexieva for their contributions to the mission’s success.
In Stara Zagora, the team had the honor of collaborating with prominent figures, such as Georgi Simeonov, Director of the Department of European Programs and Protocol, Oleg Stoilov, President of the Stara Zagora Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as Temenuzhka Sotirova and Plamen Barakov, Deputy Mayors of the Municipalities of Radevo and Galabovo, respectively. Additionally, collaboration with Prof. Ivan Varlyakov, Vice President of the Municipal Council, Prof. Boriana Paraskebova, Vice Rector of Trakia University, and Assoc. Prof. Nedelina Konstantinova, General Secretary of Trakia University, brought significant depth to the research.
Following the productive work in Stara Zagora, the ENTRA Lab team proceeded to Sofia, focusing further on energy transition governance and collaborating with additional stakeholders to explore practical solutions and innovative strategies.
In Sofia, the team conducted interviews with Snezhina Gabova and Antonia Novakova from the Sofia Development Association, who shared invaluable knowledge about the critical aspects of a just energy transition. Moreover, a meeting with Martin Mintchev, an expert with a legal background and extensive experience in green strategies, provided crucial insights into the complexities of energy transition. Finally, Bojan Mitrakiev offered practical expertise, presenting actionable ideas for integrating just transition principles into governance structures.
The visit to Bulgaria marked a significant milestone for the team, establishing the groundwork for its research in the three participating countries of the JT Observatory project. Starting with Bulgaria, a strong foundation was built for the subsequent steps, which include similar fieldwork in Greece and Poland.
The team’s experience in Stara Zagora and Sofia highlights the importance of collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Through these partnerships, the unique challenges and opportunities of just energy transition governance are being explored, while simultaneously reinforcing a commitment to a sustainable and fair future.
The insights gathered from this field research will play a decisive role in shaping governance strategies that align with the principles of sustainability and justice.