Bulgaria Leads EU in Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions

BRUSSELS – In a notable achievement, Bulgaria has emerged as the European Union's leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the first quarter of 2024, achieving a remarkable decline of 15.2 percent while simultaneously increasing its gross domestic product (GDP). Eurostat's latest report highlights Bulgaria's significant progress, outpacing Germany and Belgium, which recorded reductions of 6.7 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Overall, the EU saw a 4 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions year-on-year, totaling 894 million tonnes of carbon equivalent. The report indicates that the sectors most responsible for this decline include electricity production and gas supply, which saw a reduction of 12.6 percent, alongside households, which contributed a 4.4 percent decrease. Notably, 20 EU member states reported reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with eight of these also experiencing a decline in GDP. In contrast, Bulgaria, along with 11 other countries, managed to lower emissions while boosting economic performance. In comparison, the third quarter of 2023 recorded EU greenhouse gas emissions at 787 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, reflecting a 7.1 percent decrease. Bulgaria's efforts in 2023 were also commendable, with a nearly one-fifth reduction in emissions, ranking second in the EU after Estonia. This data underscores Bulgaria's commitment to environmental sustainability while fostering economic growth, setting a precedent for other member states.