Via Pontica Foundation’s representative in the Economic and Social Council, Ina Agafonova, presented a separate opinion on the ESC Resolution titled “For a Balanced Approach to the Implementation of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)”, adopted at the Council’s plenary session on 27 April 2026.
In her separate opinion, Ina Agafonova expressed disagreement with the adopted text, stating that the resolution does not achieve the necessary balance between short-term economic considerations and the long-term objectives of the European Union and the Republic of Bulgaria in the areas of climate, health and sustainable development.
According to the position presented, the document places predominant emphasis on the negative effects of the EU ETS and CBAM, without sufficiently recognising their role as key instruments for reducing emissions, encouraging investment and ensuring predictability in the economic transition process.
The separate opinion further underlines that the EU ETS is a central instrument for implementing the European Climate Law, including the target of reducing net emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as well as Bulgaria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Ina Agafonova also draws attention to the need for positions on matters of public interest to be based on verifiable sources, thorough analysis and a clear distinction between temporary crisis measures and long-term strategic decisions.
Via Pontica Foundation continues to support consistent policies for sustainable development, climate and nature protection, as well as a just transition that takes into account the interests of society, vulnerable groups, the economy and future generations.