Strengthening Partnerships and Exploring Opportunities in Bulgaria’s Waste Management Sector

From February 17-21 German RETech Partnership e.V. had the opportunity to support a delegation trip to Bulgaria organized by our member Bondacon International for German companies in the waste management and recycling sector. Funded through the Market Entry Programme by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the trip aimed to foster new cooperation and investment opportunities.

The journey began with a conference, bringing together key stakeholders from the Bulgarian waste management industry, German companies, AHK Bulgarien (German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce), Sofia Municipality, and the Bulgarian government. We were honored by the presence of Dr. Rositsa Karamfilova, Advisor on Ecology to the President of Bulgaria, who provided insights into Bulgaria’s environmental policies and sustainability goals. 

Beyond presentations on the current state of Bulgaria’s waste sector, Luise Billen showcased the strengths of the German waste management and recycling industry and the role of RETech in fostering international collaboration.

Throughout the trip, German companies engaged in valuable exchanges, strengthening partnerships and identifying areas where German expertise can support Bulgaria’s transition to a more sustainable and efficient waste management system. On the Bulgarian side, the importance of trust and strong partnerships was emphasized - reinforcing the vital role of RETech as a international network platform for German companies in the sector.

We also had the chance to visit two waste treatment facilities in Sofia, focusing on waste separation and biogas production. Seeing the processes firsthand and talking to employees allowed us to better understand the challenges and opportunities.

A special highlight was our visit to the Presidential House, where discussions between Bulgarian politicians, the German companies, BMWK, and the German Embassy focused on strengthening German-Bulgarian cooperation in circular economy. The delegation trip once again highlighted how important direct encounters and personal exchanges are for successful cooperation in the international circular economy.