site.btaOutgoing Environment Minister Popov Reports on Performance in Past Nine Months

Outgoing Environment and Water Minister Julian Popov reported to journalists on his activities over the past nine months here on Friday. He pointed out that two criminal proceedings against Bulgaria in the environmental protection sector have already been closed.

Popov reported as a great achievement the adopted methodology for dunes, as noted that it has received recognition from the European Commission. He called for vigilant monitoring of compliance with the methodology because the dunes are constantly subjected to criminal actions. “We have made progress on the national parks, we have suspended many permits for vehicles to drive in them, we have reached an agreement to reduce cattle in the national parks,” he said.

Popov also reported on progress in the activities of the working group, which is to propose legislative changes to limit unpleasant odours from industrial installations. He said the group produced a report which was later submitted to MPs. There is no European directive and regulation on odours, he added, specifying that Bulgaria must come up with a comprehensive approach.

On Friday, Popov is to sign eleven orders for protected areas, with seven more to go. A total of 32 will be signed withing his term in office. The outgoing Minister also pointed out that the Ministry managed to achieve an environmentally friendly approach to the construction of the expressway route outside the Struma river gorge.

On the introduction of a national depository system, Popov said that his goal is to introduce it by 2026. He indicated that a study has been commissioned to give investors clarity on the amount of waste is being generated in different places. The study will last three months. All the financial burden will be on the companies. “The Ministry will support the process, we also need to create the regulatory environment to negotiate with operators and businesses,” he added. 

Popov also commented on the topic of possible gold mining near Bankya, Bozhurishte, Breznik, Slivnitsa and Dragoman. If the mining complies with the environmental standards, it will be allowed, Popov said and assured that if a citizen or an organisation submits a signal to the Ministry of Environment and Water or a regional agency, checks will be made.  

“We want to significantly change the annual monitoring of the Black Sea,” he added, pointing out that a separate unit for the Black Sea has been set up in the Ministry as better control is needed.