Maria Velkova

Maria Velkova is a Deputy Head of Low Carbon Solutions (II): Research and Low Carbon Technology Deployment Unit in DG Climate Action, European Commission. The unit is responsible for implementation of key EU climate funding programmes such as Innovation Fund, Modernisation Fund and LIFE Climate, ensuring synergies with other EU funding instruments such as Horizon Europe and InvestEU. The unit is also responsible for the EU policy and regulatory work on carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Previously, she has worked on the EU regulation of GHG emissions from transport fuels and on supporting research and innovation in renewable energy technologies.

Before joining the European Commission in 2008, Maria Velkova worked in the areas of SMEs and industrial policy, renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Bulgarian public administration. She has Master’s degrees in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford and European Economic Studies from the College of Europe. Her Bachelor's degree is in European Business Administration from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia jointly with the University of Humberside.