Send to Kindle
Citizens protesting the exploration for shale gas in Bulgaria in the Black Sea city of Varna. Photo by BGNES
Town councilors of the north eastern Bulgarian city of Dobrich have decided to hold a local referendum on exploring for shale gas in the region.
The exact date of the poll will be determined at a sitting of the council on September 20.
In June the Bulgarian government gave US energy giant Chevron a permit to prospect for shale gas in a large section of Dobrudzha, in the north east of the country.
Environmentalists and local residents fear that the technique, which involves pumping unspecified chemicals into the ground at high pressure - so-called hydraulic fracturing - might pollute soils and groundwater in Dobrudzha, one of the most fertile regions in Bulgaria.
Shale gas extraction has been a controversial technique, after a number of wells in the US - the country that pioneered it - leaked, causing massive damage to drinking water.
The US government is currently holding a massive survey of the method and the need to regulate it, while in July France became the first country in the world to impose an all-out ban on it, after protests from local residents.
Wednesday anti-shale gas protests were held in Dobrich, as well as in nearby Black Sea major city Varna, and in capital Sofia.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Across the United States, a groundswell of student protests in solidarity with Palestinians is gaining momentum, sparking both cancellations of classes and clashes with authorities on campuses nationwide
Amid escalating tensions and a renewed Russian offensive, the United States is poised to deliver much-needed military aid to Ukraine following prolonged delays and uncertainties, signaling a crucial lifeline for the embattled nation in its struggle agains
In a significant move with far-reaching implications, the US House of Representatives has finally greenlit a long-awaited 61 billion USD military aid package for Ukraine
The United States House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive legislative package worth 95 billion USD, earmarking funds for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region
Sofia's Lunar Festival of Lights is back, illuminating the city with more than 20 captivating light installations across its most iconic landmarks.
Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, is experiencing a surge in its economic landscape, surpassing the average European standard of living, according to senior researcher Peter Ganev from the Institute for Market Economics
During the night, cloud cover will increase and thicken, with showers expected to develop from the southwest
Tomorrow, Bulgarians can expect a mix of sunshine and clouds as they step out into the springtime air
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
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
