Send to Kindle
Photo of what environmentalists claim to be the illegal lift from Panichishte above Sapareva Banya to the Seven Rila Lakes. Photo by For the Nature
The EC delegation sent to review suspected breaches of environmental legislation in Bulgaria took a ride on an "illegal" lift instead of inspecting irregularities around it, stated angered local environmentalists Tuesday.
A delegation from DG Environment was sent to Bulgaria to review complaints by eco-organizations on development of skiways in the Rila and Pirin mountains - both National Parks included in the Natura 2000 network - that the organizations claim are illegal.
Tuesday it was revealed that the delegation found nothing irregular in the lift leading from the town of Sapareva Banya to the Seven Rila Lakes - a facility environmentalists have been long claiming is in total breach of the law.
What especially infuriated activists, united in For the Nature network, was the fact that apparently the EC delegation took a ride on that specific lift in the company of the manager of the Rila Sport firm, which owns the lift.
"The Eurocrats got on the illegal lift and took a ride to the Seven Lakes; upon returning they stated that they could see no breaches of European legislation and that they are considering withdrawing the infringement procedure against Bulgaria," stated representatives of the Citizens for Rila organization.
Eco-activists claim not only that the lift has been build without an adequate environmental impact assesment and permit to cut down the forest, but that also there is a long clearing of the forest running parallel to the lift track and curiously coinciding with one of the planned ski tracks of the Panichishte ski resort they are opposing.
The EC delegation was headed by Jean-Fran?ois Brakeland, director for Compliance Promotion, Governance and Legal Issues at DG Environment.
Environmentalists are calling a protest at 10.00 am Wednesday morning in front of the EC mission in downtown Sofia, under the motto "Eurocrats Snub EU Legislation in Rila and Ride on a Lift of the Mob."
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson conducted an inspection of border control measures at Sofia Airport, marking a significant step in Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area by air
In a recent meeting of the European Council, Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev underscored Bulgaria's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst discussions surrounding the fight against disinformation and foreign manipulation of information
European leaders have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Ukraine, pledging urgent assistance to bolster the nation's defense capabilities
Bulgaria finds itself at the bottom of the list in terms of citizens who believe in the benefits of EU membership, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey results
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced Slovakia's opposition to Ukraine's bid for NATO membership, emphasizing the need for a neutral Ukraine to safeguard Slovakia's interests
Vasil Velev, Chair of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA), delivered a stark assessment of the European Union's (EU) economic performance, highlighting concerns over its lackluster growth compared to global counterparts
Over the next 24 hours, expect cloudy skies with rainfall across the eastern half of the country, where precipitation may be intense in some areas. Meanwhile, the western half will see clouds clearing during the day, becoming mostly sunny
Overnight, rainfall across the country will temporarily cease, with some areas experiencing breaks in the clouds
Overnight, the precipitation zone will gradually shift eastward, with significant amounts expected in parts of Central and Eastern Bulgaria, accompanied by thunderstorms
Romanian media outlets have reported that storm "Renata" has made landfall in Romania, bringing with it strong winds and heavy precipitation. Following two weeks of record high temperatures, the mercury has plummeted by 15-20 degrees Celsius, as reported
The concluded winter presented unusually elevated temperatures and a 'milder' heating season for thousands of Bulgarians
For the past four years, residents of the picturesque village of Brestovitsa in Plovdiv have been grappling with a troubling issue: muddy water contaminated with manganese flowing from their taps
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
