Julian Popov joined Strategic Perspectives as a Senior Fellow in January 2025 to grow the think tank’s political reach and impact.
Previously, Julian served twice as Bulgaria’s Minister of Environment, the country’s goodwill ambassador for energy and climate policy, and the President’s energy security advisor. He is an accomplished energy and climate policy expert with decades of experience in environmental governance leadership, advisory roles, and international collaboration. Over his career, he has combined strategic thinking with practical solutions to address complex global energy security and climate policy challenges – very much aligned with Strategic Perspectives vision.
In his role as Senior Fellow, Julian will work with the team across all its main priorities: energy and industrial policy, as well as diplomacy. His extensive international experience includes roles as a Senior Fellow at the European Climate Foundation, chairman of the Building Performance Institute Europe, member of the Advisory Board of Climate KIC, and member of the boards of several other energy and climate-focused organisations. He is still a member of the European Council of Foreign Relations, and the advisory boards of the Energy Policy Group in Romania and the Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research (REKK) in Hungary. Frequently ranked among the most influential voices in European energy policy, his articles on climate and energy policies have been published in leading global outlets.
By drawing on his extensive international network, his ability to bridge diverse perspectives, and his profound knowledge of policy and diplomacy, Julian will help shape strategies for tackling Europe’s most pressing industrial and geopolitical issues. His insights will support Strategic Perspectives in driving impactful collaboration and innovation across sectors and regions.