site.btaBulgaria Hails European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy

Sofia, January 17 (BTA) - Environment Minister Neno Dimov said Bulgaria hails the adoption of the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy. Discussions on the legislative and non-legislative measures planned in the strategy will be held during the Bulgarian EU Presidency, Dimov's Ministry said.

The document will map out measures to encourage the separate collection and recycling of plastic waste, to curb plastic waste and prevent microplastics from entering the marine environment. The production of biodegradable and compostable plastics will be a priority.

The Environment Ministry stressed the importance of the measures for improving the quality of life by reducing environmental pollution. They will be accompanied by proposals fostering investments in innovative solutions and projects. The Bulgarian EU Presidency will hold discussions on the document in the EU Council's Environment Working Group.

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BTA has interviewed Ivelina Vassileva MP of GERB, Chair of the National Assembly Environment and Water Committee and Deputy Chair of the Committee on European Affairs and EU Funds Oversight.

"Bulgaria will be standing up for a continuation of Cohesion Policy and keeping the grant financing under it after 2020," the interviewee said. The priority topics in the environment sector, on which the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council will work, include the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, which the European Commission adopted on January 16. "The idea is to utilize waste as a resource," Vassileva commented.

The Drinking Water Directive will be revisited, too, along with climate action issues, the MP said. She pointed out that improving air quality is an important problem at the centre of public and institutional attention and requires pooling the efforts of all stakeholders.

Vassileva outlined the key priorities on the agenda of the Bulgarian Presidency, including the Western Balkans, the continuation of the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, European security and stability, and digital economy and cybersecurity.

Commenting on the ecologists' protests in Sofia and elsewhere in the country against Government-endorsed plans to build a second gondola lift in the Bansko ski area (Southwestern Bulgaria), the Environment and Water Committee Chair sees the problem in conservationists' mistrust and doubt that the legal principles and rules will be complied with. "That is why it is important that the concessionaire should provide more transparency and information, so that people could be sure that the law and the rules will be obeyed," Vassileva pointed out.