05 Jun 2026
H.E. Kirsti Pohjankukka, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Bulgaria, visited the Municipality of Stara Zagora today, accompanied by her colleague Lidia Draganova.
The meeting was hosted by Milena Zheleva, Deputy Mayor responsible for Culture and Tourism; Georgi Simeonov, Director of the Directorate of European Programmes and Protocol; and Mariana Perchemliyeva and Monika Mintova, experts from the Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition.
Milena Zheleva welcomed the guests and introduced them to Stara Zagora’s culture and historical heritage, its educational and research strengths, and the challenges facing the municipal administration as the region undergoes an energy transition. The Deputy Mayor highlighted opportunities for concrete joint projects and expressed hope for future initiatives between Bulgaria and Finland in culture, tourism and sport.
Ambassador Pohjankukka explained that the main purpose of her visit was to learn about the region’s policies on waste management, green energy and energy recovery from waste materials. She also identified the technology sector and defence industry as areas of interest to Finland.
Stara Zagora is a region in transition, undergoing a fundamental economic and social transformation from an economy heavily dependent on coal towards a green, low-carbon and digital economy.
“As a local authority, we maintain an active dialogue with the national government on the region’s development during the energy transition. We aim to preserve and increase employment while attracting new investors. This is a sensitive issue for people working in the energy sector, but we are gradually seeing adaptation to the changes ahead,” Milena Zheleva emphasised. She added that Bulgaria frequently draws on good practices from Finland and other Nordic countries in the energy sector.
The meeting explored opportunities to attract Finnish investment, develop industrial zones and infrastructure, support new manufacturing operations, and cooperate in the context of a just energy transition. Participants also discussed exchanging good practices in entrepreneurship, innovation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Municipal representatives emphasised that international cooperation is a key factor in fostering sustainable innovation and economic growth. They also discussed the region’s challenges relating to the energy transition, infrastructure and transport connectivity.
Monika Mintova presented Stara Zagora’s investment potential. The region’s main advantages include its strategic geographical location, good transport accessibility, Bulgaria’s low corporate tax rate of 10% and strong economic performance, with Stara Zagora ranking among the leading districts in GDP per capita.
The discussion also highlighted the strengths of the local education system, comprising 40 secondary schools, 19 vocational high schools, 36 vocational training centres and Trakia University. A leader in agricultural and veterinary education in Bulgaria, the university is currently developing into a modern centre for digital technologies, medicine and green innovation.
Particular attention was given to the municipality’s sustainable development efforts. Stara Zagora is among Bulgaria’s greenest cities and has a modernised public transport fleet with 33 electric buses and eight hybrid trolleybuses. Through the Just Transition Fund, the region will have access to more than EUR 1.2 billion to support businesses, digitalisation and clean energy technologies.
Georgi Simeonov explained that the region has a Territorial Just Transition Plan approved by the European Commission. This long-term strategy aims to mitigate the negative consequences of thermal power plant and mine closures by providing financial compensation and alternatives. Modernising production facilities and retraining workers are integral to the industrial and environmental transformation. He added that attracting companies in high-tech industries, logistics and automation is a central priority for the entire municipal team.
The guests were also introduced to the city’s quality of life, including its well-developed cultural infrastructure, parks, sports facilities, museums, historical sites, and leisure and recreational opportunities.
Experts from the Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition presented the Bulgaria Wants You initiative, in which the municipality is participating once again, alongside the development of the Zagore industrial zone near Elenino and the ATZ industrial zone. They also highlighted the success of the WorkIn Stara Zagora career forum, which connects employers with people seeking career opportunities.
The visit included discussions about potential contacts with Finnish companies experienced in their regions’ green transitions, agricultural development and prospects for expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
Both sides expressed their willingness to encourage future partnerships and joint initiatives in the green transition, technology, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. The visit concluded with a tour of Zagore Industrial Zone.
