site.bta EC: Bulgaria Can Ask for Derrogation from Directive on Pollution from Coal-Fired Plants

EC: Bulgaria Can Ask for Derrogation from Directive on Pollution from Coal-Fired Plants

Brussels, April 28 (BTA correspondent Nickolay Jeliazkov) - The European Commission said Friday that Bulgaria can ask for derrogation from the directive concerning pollution from coal-fired plants and called speculative allegations that it demands closure of such plants and an increase of the price of electricity by 40 per cent.

"I know there are being some comments about the risk of closure of plants in Bulgaria. The EU law does not require closure of Bulgarian plants nor increase of the price of electricity," said Enrico Brivio, Commission Spokesperson for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries, public health and food safety.

"Where a closure [of plants] will be disproportionate compared to the environmental benefits, the Bulgarian authorities can use derrogation while respecting the environmental safeguards set out in the directive," he said adding that there are also some measures which can help this process.

The new standards for air quality in the EU connected with the work of large industrial facilities, are due to take effect in 2021. Debates on the new legislation started in the EU a couple of years ago.