On 2–3 July 2026, the National GARDEN Conference “Electric Logistics – A Driver of Sustainable Communities” took place in Varna, Bulgaria. The event was organised by BATTI within the framework of the international GARDEN project, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme.
The conference brought together representatives of local authorities, the social sector, academia, public institutions, organisations and experts interested in sustainable mobility, the green transition and the modernisation of public services.
Electric Logistics for Better Public and Social Services
The main focus of the conference was the practical application of electric logistics as a tool for making social and public services more efficient, accessible and environmentally responsible.
During the first day, BATTI presented the objectives and activities of the GARDEN project, together with international experience generated through pilot demonstration activities in several European countries.
The discussions highlighted that electric mobility is not only a technological shift, but also an opportunity to improve how local communities organise deliveries, social support and everyday public services.
Bulgarian Pilot in the Municipality of Dolni Chiflik
Special attention was given to the Bulgarian pilot activity implemented in the Municipality of Dolni Chiflik.
The municipality presented its experience and vision for developing a more sustainable model for social food delivery and home care services through the introduction of cleaner transport solutions.
The discussion focused on the expected benefits for the Home Social Patronage service, including:
- improved organisation of deliveries;
- reduced environmental impact;
- more efficient use of resources;
- better service provision for users across the municipality’s settlements.
The pilot demonstrates how sustainable mobility solutions can support both environmental goals and the quality of local social services.
Electric Mobility in a Wider Economic and Social Context
The conference programme also included the screening of the video “Silent Revolution – How Electric Vehicles Are Changing the Global Economy”.
The video presented the broader economic, technological and social dimensions of the transition towards electric transport and provided additional context for the discussions on sustainable mobility.
Student Innovation from the University of Ruse
One of the most engaging moments of the first day was the participation of the student racing teams HydRU and ElectRU from the University of Ruse.
The teams shared their experience in designing and developing energy-efficient automotive prototypes, demonstrating how engineering education, research and practical experimentation can lead to real solutions for sustainable mobility.
Participants also had the opportunity to see an electric racing vehicle up close and discuss the technical solutions behind its development.
Social Innovation and Sustainable Mobility
The second day of the conference focused on the link between electric mobility, social innovation and investment in modern social services.
Representatives of the Regional Centre for the Development of Social Economy and Social Innovation – Varna, operating under the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, presented sustainable mobility as part of a broader process of improving social support and public service delivery.
The discussions highlighted the importance of mobile care, home social services and electric vehicles in providing more reliable and higher-quality support, particularly in smaller and remote settlements.
Practical Challenges: Routes, Charging and Staff Preparation
Several practical aspects of implementing electric mobility were discussed, including:
- route optimisation;
- development of charging infrastructure;
- maintenance of electric vehicles;
- preparation and training of staff working with new technologies.
These factors are essential for ensuring that electric logistics can be successfully integrated into everyday public and social service operations.
Beloslav Municipality: Integrated Solutions for Social Services
The Municipality of Beloslav presented implemented and planned solutions for the development of social services, including investments in existing buildings, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The approach demonstrated that the sustainable development of the social system requires integrated solutions that combine mobility, energy efficiency, healthcare and improved accessibility of services.
Electric Logistics as Part of a Broader Transformation
The final discussion confirmed that electric logistics is not simply about replacing conventional vehicles with electric ones.
It is part of a wider transformation in the organisation of public services, combining:
- lower environmental impact;
- more efficient use of resources;
- modern technologies;
- improved accessibility;
- better care for people.
GARDEN Supporting Sustainable Local Communities
Through the GARDEN project, BATTI continues to support the exchange of experience between institutions, municipalities, universities and relevant organisations.
The knowledge and good practices generated within the project will contribute to the wider uptake of solutions that can make local communities more sustainable, better connected and better prepared for future challenges.
