The Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ), one of Southeast Europe’s largest industrial hubs, has initiated the Zero-Carbon Trakia Economic Zone (C0TEZ) project, aiming to become the European Union’s first carbon-neutral industrial park. Launched on January 30, 2025, this two-year initiative is expected to attract €4 billion ($USD 4.5 billion) in investments, focusing on high-tech and energy-intensive industries.
Spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Georgi P. Georgiev in collaboration with the Trakia Economic Zone Cluster, the project is supported by Germany’s Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). A trilateral agreement formalizing the partnership between Bulgaria, Germany, and the TEZ Cluster was signed during the launch event.
Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev emphasized the project’s broader implications, stating, “We should multiply Trakia Economic Zone’s experience in other promising places for the country.” He also highlighted the need for regulatory reforms to expedite investment processes and bolster vocational training.
The C0TEZ project aligns with Bulgaria’s commitment to sustainable industrial transformation, integrating renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, biogas, solar, and wind. The initiative also plans to implement green bonds and strategic planning methodologies to achieve its carbon-neutral goals.
Since its establishment, TEZ has attracted over €4 billion in investments and created more than 45,000 jobs. The zone hosts over 180 foreign and domestic companies, including industry leaders like ABB, Schneider Electric, and Liebherr.
The C0TEZ project positions TEZ as a model for sustainable industrial development, reflecting Bulgaria’s growing focus on green innovation and economic resilience.
