At a roundtable in the European Parliament, Glavbolgarstroy emphasized the role of business in energy transformation and technological advancement

On February 17, a series of working meetings took place in Brussels with long-standing representatives of the U.S. Congress and administration, Members of the European Parliament, executives of European and American energy and technology companies, sectoral associations, and other key stakeholders. The discussions in the European capital focused on strengthening U.S.-EU relations and exploring strategic opportunities for economic growth and innovation.

A specially organized roundtable discussion at the European Parliament in Brussels addressed the strategic aspects of energy policy and security, bringing together key political and industry figures from both sides of the Atlantic. The event was hosted by Tsvetelina Penkova, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy (ITRE), and President of the European Energy Forum (EEF), in partnership with the Bulgarian construction holding company Glavbolgarstroy.

Among the American guests were Congressman Larry Bucshon, a long-standing member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Donna Shalala, a former member of the House of Representatives and a senior official in the U.S. administration. They shared their perspectives on the development of the U.S. energy sector.

Bucshon emphasized the transformation of the U.S. energy sector, highlighting the gradual transition away from coal in favor of natural gas, which has significantly reduced carbon emissions. He also drew particular attention to new legislative initiatives in the nuclear energy sector, aimed at advancing small modular nuclear reactors, which he described as "a zero-carbon energy solution with great future potential."

Donna Shalala affirmed these points and emphasized that environmental commitments in the U.S. enjoy bipartisan support. She noted that nuclear energy is increasingly viewed not only as a reliable energy source but also as a key factor in achieving environmental goals.

Both U.S. representatives underscored that the energy sector's global development continues to rely heavily on industry and business to provide long-term and efficient energy solutions. Additionally, it was noted that leading U.S. manufacturing sectors are focusing their efforts on resource optimization and the expansion of natural gas consumption, recognizing its strategic importance for the global energy market. The U.S. energy mix continues to evolve, with natural gas accounting for 40% of energy consumption, coal at just 20%, and the remainder coming from nuclear energy and renewable sources. A significant increase in nuclear energy's share is expected, as it is regarded as a reliable and low-carbon solution ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability.

The industry also faces significant infrastructure challenges. The modernization of energy grids and the implementation of new technologies are essential for enhancing efficiency and ensuring supply security. In this context, transatlantic cooperation between Europe and the U.S. plays a crucial role.

The European market is also seeking balanced solutions that combine economic efficiency with long-term development. Despite differences in national energy strategies, the overarching goal remains the identification of environmentally friendly and financially viable energy sources that support industrial competitiveness. In this regard, collaboration between businesses and the technology sector on both sides of the Atlantic is of paramount importance. The continuous exchange of knowledge and resources, along with the promotion of investments, will be decisive in integrating new technological solutions and establishing sustainable energy models that not only meet environmental standards but also foster economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

During the parliamentary discussions, Emil Angelov, CEO of "Glavbolgarstroy Holding", highlighted the importance of deepening transatlantic cooperation in energy trade and technology. He stated that the ongoing exchange between the EU and the U.S. would be critical to fostering development and ensuring that both regions remain at the forefront of energy innovation.

As part of the visit to Brussels, a joint working meeting was held between representatives of "Glavbolgarstroy", the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, U.S. delegates, and members of the AmCham EU leadership. The primary focus of the discussion was on key issues related to the business environment, energy, and regulatory challenges in the context of the European Union and transatlantic relations.

Among the leading topics were the role of businesses in engaging with European institutions, the significance of nuclear energy, technological advancements in construction, and the need for regulatory adaptation to new economic realities. The U.S. delegates acknowledged the proactive efforts of American businesses in reducing carbon emissions and emphasized the importance of economic and market factors in shaping long-term energy strategies.

During the discussion, Plamena Nenkova, Deputy CEO for International Relations and Business Development at "Glavbolgarstroy Holding", presented the company's international positioning and participation in specialized industrial and strategic energy debates. She noted that the company maintains representations in Brussels and Washington and is a member of numerous European and global associations, including the World Economic Forum in Geneva. Nenkova highlighted the company's focus on high-tech projects and its contribution to the implementation of numerous strategic infrastructure initiatives, some of which are directly linked to energy connectivity and market integration.

The meeting also addressed key investment opportunities in Bulgaria and the EU that could enhance the business climate and the competitiveness of the European economy. In this context, the importance of adopting new technologies in the construction sector was emphasized, given their significant potential for optimization and efficiency improvements.