On 27 November 2025, the National Trust EcoFund (NTEF) took part in the XIX Annual Conference of the Association of Bulgarian Energy Agencies and Centres, organised jointly with the Center for Energy Efficiency EnEffect (secretariat of EcoEnergy) and NTEF. Held in Sofia under the theme “Cities in Transformation: Strategic Vision, Building Renovation Solutions, Energy Communities and New Skills,” the event brought together national and local authorities, municipal representatives, experts, financial institutions and civil society organisations.
The programme placed strong emphasis on the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, including a dedicated session featuring representatives of the European Commission — Aleksandra Olejnik and Elena Kostadinova — as well as mission expert Joost Beunderman, who presented the Mission’s objectives, progress and the role of cities in leading Europe’s climate transition. Their intervention provided important context for Bulgarian municipalities involved in Mission-related processes.
As an official partner supporting Bulgarian cities in their work under the EU Mission, NTEF had the opportunity during the conference to strengthen cooperation with municipalities and stakeholders committed to climate neutrality. These ambitions were further highlighted through the presentations of Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo, who showcased Gabrovo’s climate-neutrality plan, and Apostol Dyankov, from Sofia Municipality, who presented Sofia’s approach to the goal of a climate neutral city.
A central moment for NTEF was the panel discussion “Accessible Financial Instruments for Local Investments in Sustainable Energy.” NTEF’s Executive Director, Maria Minkova, took part in the conversation, presenting the Ecofund’s capacity to support municipalities on their journey towards Mission-aligned goals.
The discussion, moderated by Kamelia Georgieva from NTEF, brought together several key voices. Lyubomir Tsarev from the FLAG Fund and Asen Gasharov from the European Investment Bank presented their viewpoints and tools for sustainable local investments. Municipal perspectives were shared by three municipal energy managers – Kaloyan Dechev from Ruse Municipality, Tihomir Markov from Svilengrad Municipality and Evelina Nesheva from Sapareva Banya Municipality, who spoke about practical challenges in financing climate and energy projects, as well as the support and training opportunities cities need to accelerate implementation.
Their contributions underscored the importance of coordinated efforts, shared learning and strong national support for cities working toward climate neutrality — principles central to the EU Mission and to NTEF’s role in assisting Bulgarian municipalities.
Through its active participation in the conference, NTEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bulgaria’s cities on their path to climate neutrality by facilitating dialogue, promoting multi-level cooperation and enabling solutions that advance sustainable urban transformation.