Bulgarian coal miners demand job security, fear changes

SOFIA (Bulgaria) -- Hundreds protested Wednesday against the European Union's attempts to shut down mines and reduce carbon emissions.

Bulgarian coal miners demand job security, fear changes

SOFIA (Bulgaria) -- Hundreds protested Wednesday against the European Union's attempts to shut down mines and reduce carbon emissions.

Protesters came from all over Bulgaria to join the rally in Sofia. During the march, demonstrators shouted "We want Jobs!" and marched to the government headquarters.

Bulgarian miners claim that the EU's timeline for coal mining and extraction closure is too short. They also argue that it shouldn't be at the cost of the poorest and most carbon-dependent areas in the bloc.

Two of the largest trade unions in the country, the organizers of the protest, claimed they were fighting for Bulgaria's energy independence. They also warned that thousands of jobs could be at risk if the largest coal mines or energy plants in southeastern Bulgaria are closed.

Protesters presented to the government a petition containing 110,000 signatures asking for an extension of the operating life of coal-fired power stations. A possible energy crisis in the EU this winter could cause a social crisis due to the EU's high carbon prices.

NEXT NEWS