EC Warns Bulgaria over Bird Protection Failure

The European Commission is sending a first written warning to Bulgaria for systematic failure to provide adequate protection for its bird sites. File Photo

The European Commission is pursuing legal action against Poland and Bulgaria for failing to adequately assess the impact of construction projects on protected nature areas.

The announcement was made Thursday through an official EC press release.

The European Commission is sending a first written warning to Bulgaria for systematic failure to provide adequate protection for its bird sites, the release reads.

The Commission further reports they have received a number of complaints about on-going tourist, urban infrastructure and wind farm developments in different areas for bird protection throughout Bulgaria.

The Commission believes that Bulgaria is systematically violating its obligations to safeguard areas eligible for protection under the Birds Directive and to properly assess the cumulative effects of the numerous authorized plans and projects on the environment and on bird habitats and species.

"Natura 2000 – Europe's network of protected areas – is crucial to the long-term survival of our most valuable and threatened species and habitats. The network gives us healthy ecosystems, which supply vital services such as air and water purification. Whenever sites are affected, it is essential to prevent or reduce any impacts, and I call on Poland and Bulgaria to do so.,” the EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas is quoted as saying.

Bulgaria is given two months to respond.

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