Climate Coalition Bulgaria at CAN Strategy Meeting

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Коалиция за климата - ... 03-12-2025.

A potential for closer cooperation and coordination between the Climate Coalition Bulgaria (CCB) and the international Climate Action Network (CAN) was discussed at the strategic meeting of CAN for Central and Eastern Europe (CAN CEE), held on 27–28 November 2025 in Warsaw.

Bulgarian Experience – A Possible Regional Resource

The recently adopted national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 — introduced through amendments to Bulgaria's Climate Change Mitigation Act (CCMA) — became possible thanks to the active engagement and well-argued positions of the organisations within CCB. This achievement stands among the regional successes of the climate movement. Pavel Antonov, executive editor of BlueLink.net - the network, offering logistical support to CCB - presented the advocacy work, key achievements and ongoing efforts of the coalition and its members in Bulgaria.

He also shared details about the efforts of BlueLink.net and partner organisations within CCB to reduce tensions surrounding the development of renewable energy sources. Beyond manipulation and political-economic resistance to renewables, it is important to acknowledge the many legitimate concerns surrounding the expansion of this promising technology, he emphasised. These include justified concerns regarding violations of environmental legislation, impacts on biodiversity, agricultural land and forests, as well as resistance associated with opaque, oligarchic ownership structures and corruption practices in the deployment of renewable energy.

Antonov outlined the vision of the BlueLink civic network for building trust and unity based on shared values and the rule of law, grounded in scientific data, transparency and mutual respect among committed civil actors, responsible businesses and institutions. This approach, which helps overcome conflicts between conservation communities and actors engaged in the energy transition, can be shared with and further developed by other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Antonov proposed.

Multidisciplinarity Without Fragmentation

Participants noted that the complex and multifaceted nature of climate issues often becomes an obstacle to effective public communication and climate advocacy. In an expert working group addressing this challenge, Antonov (pictured above on the right, together with Štěpán Bizi from CDE Czechia) contributed to formulating a two-stage model for more effective climate advocacy by civil society organisations, which includes:

First, focusing on a specific priority: selecting one clearly defined goal to guide thinking and action, in order to avoid fragmentation and dispersion of efforts in multiple directions; and
Then, diversifying expertise, partnerships and approaches in pursuit of the selected goal: only after establishing the focus are additional experts and stakeholders involved to address the topic within a broader social, ecological and economic context.

Towards a Strong Regional Climate Community

Climate Action Network Europe (CAN Europe) is the largest coalition of civil society organisations working on climate and energy policies in Europe. It brings together over 200 organisations from more than 40 countries, and works for more ambitious emissions-reduction targets, a just energy transition and the active involvement of civil society.

The regional platform CAN CEE focuses on the challenges faced by Central and Eastern Europe: dependence on fossil fuels, social risks of the energy transition, and the need for stronger coordination among civil society organisations. In this context, more effective integration of CCB — supported by BlueLink as its communications and logistical platform — would contribute a distinct Bulgarian perspective to regional processes.

Support BlueLink

To continue supporting the Climate Coalition Bulgaria and to promote the use of the internet for constructive exchange of opinions and analysis on environmental protection, European values and democracy — voices and viewpoints that are increasingly absent from mainstream media — we rely on independence. Support BlueLink’s mission and work by making a donation here to the BlueLink Foundation. You can learn more about our mission, vision and activities here.