A joint declaration on a "sustainable energy future for Bulgaria" was presented on December 4 2009 by the Association of Bulgarian Energy Agencies (ABEA) to Prime Minister Boiko Borissov, various ministries and Government agencies.
 
The ABEA describes itself as an association of energy agencies in the cities of Sofia, Bourgas, Dobrich, Lovech, Pazardjik, Pernik, Plovdiv, Popovo, Rousse and Varna. The agencies are non-governmental organisations promoting sustainable energy development.
 
The association was set up to encourage the developments of sustainable energy through local and regional actions for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

All members agencies of the association offer support to local authorities in achievement of their objectives and strategic planning for renewable energies, as well as development of a range of initiatives with other local, regional and local organisations.
 
ABEA covers all energy management agencies established in Bulgaria under the SAVE program of the European Commission (EC), it says.
 
The declaration sent on December 4 urges action needed to achieve a "positive economic/ecological equilibrium."
 
It lists 10 urgent actions to promote renewable energy sources and increased efficiency "that will contribute to environmental and climate protection, and create jobs and economic growth, as well as social cohesion and innovativeness."
 
The ABEA declaration was drawn up at the conclusion of the fifth annual conference of Bulgarian energy agencies, held in late November in Plovdiv.
 
The declaration’s demands include, among other things, a change in the national energy agenda, integration of Bulgarian interests with the new strategy of the European Union, an updating of national energy legislation and regulations, and support for the nation’s municipalities in the development local and regional energy/climate action plans.
 
 "These actions are needed in order for Bulgaria to play its part in the European Union’s realisation of its new energy strategy," said ABEA chairperson Liyana Adjarova, who is also the executive director of The Energy Agency of Plovdiv. 
 
"That strategy calls for a 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions throughout the EU by 2020, a goal to be achieved, or exceeded, through a 20 per cent increase in energy efficiency and a 20 per cent share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix."
 
The declaration also includes a supplemental statement by conference participants asking for six urgently needed specific actions, including legislative recognition of biomass as "an important energy resource, with priority for use in heating residential and public buildings."

In addition, solar thermal energy should be recognized as a "desirable replacement for electricity, natural gas and coal through equal regulation and financial stimulus."
 
The declaration was presented to the Prime Minister; the Minister of the Economy, Energy and Tourism; the Minister of the Environment and Waters; the Minister of Finance; the Minister of Agriculture and Food; the National Commission on Energy and Water Regulations; the National Forest Agency; and the Speaker of Parliament.