The EC Opened Three Criminal Proceedings Against Bulgaria in the Field of the Environment

The European Commission urged today Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia, Spain and the UK to fulfill their reporting obligations on the status of marine waters.

EU rules provide for a comprehensive framework for the protection of the EU's seas and oceans. In June 2008, EU countries agreed to review by 15 October 2018 their assessment of the status of their respective waters, the impact of human activity on the environment and their environmental objectives. The affected countries have not submitted reports to the EC within the deadline, the report said.

The Commission today decided to launch an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to these countries. States have two months to respond, or the EC may decide to send a reasoned opinion.

Under the second procedure, the Commission invites Bulgaria, Croatia, France, the Netherlands and Poland to bring their legislation on environmental impact assessment in line with the new European requirements. Under the rules, public and private projects are subject to an environmental impact assessment before they are authorized.

In 2014, EU countries changed their legislation by reducing administrative burdens and raising the level of environmental protection, while making business decisions on public and private investment more robust, more predictable and more sustainable, says the message.

The Commission has found flaws in the changes presented by the five countries concerned. In Bulgaria, some texts relating to verification decisions, environmental impact assessment reports and information to the public do not sufficiently reflect EU requirements, and the monitoring of projects with significant adverse effects does not meet the requirements. The...