Strategy for the transition to a circular economy of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2022-2027.

This Strategy for the transition to a circular economy of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period from the year 2022 until the year 2027 is a major strategic document with the aim of controlled and planned national transition into green economy and its related dynamics. This Strategy includes the three main thematic areas: Green and competitive economy; Less waste, more resources; Economy in favor of the users. Cross planned and related issues are defined as follows: Higher productivity of the resources; New business models; Connectivity in the economy; Bulgaria’s contribution to the supply of critical raw materials. This Strategy states that from an economic point of view, the benefits of the transition are numerous, such as: increasing resource efficiency, reducing material costs (also raw materials), general horizontal innovation, disconnect between economic growth from resource consumption, market development of labor, reduction of waste and the costs of its disposal. Also the concept of extending the life cycle of products and/or materials is highly implemented as a principle. Textiles and plastics are among the most suitable materials for recycling and new production. Digitization and mapping of resources will help industry create supply chains delivery, processing and production of new products.
This text further dedicates significant issues regarding the water sector. Analysis of opportunities to apply price incentives for reuse of water in businesses is appealed through the need to make investments to be able to reuse water. Businesses are more likely to make investments in water reuse if the price of the water they receive depends on the quantities used, etc. Analysis of the effect of water reuse on different agricultural cultures is also mentioned. Waste management is an important issue of this Strategy as it demands an integrated approach in collecting and disposing of final waste, among its reuse, recycle and intelligent sustainable use of deriving materials. Consumer protection, and social green economy are also considered. The Strategy further states that the manner in which products are designed and manufactured can prevent up to 80% of their impact on the environment, but there are also products that can remain in the economy rather than being deposited. Instead reach landfills, food waste can be utilize in the economy as a soil conditioner or as a source of energy.
Action plan for the implementation of the Strategy is attached as Annex.