The European Commission has sent an additional letter of formal notice to Bulgaria in connection with systemic problems in the implementation of EU nature conservation legislation.

Natura 2000 sites may carry out economic activities provided that there is no adverse effect on the integrity of the zones. In Bulgaria, the cumulative impact of existing and approved plans and projects on Natura 2000 sites has not systematically been taken into account, and many changes posing a serious threat to the achievement of conservation objectives have been allowed regardless of the existence of such a threat, note by the Commission.

The problem was established for the first time ten years ago, and although Bulgaria has taken some steps since then to resolve it, this structural problem persists and the Commission regularly receives complaints about plans and projects allowed on the basis of insufficient assessments or even in the absence of appropriate estimates, the EC said. Bulgaria has two months to reply to the letter, or the Commission may decide to send a reasoned opinion.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!