Country profile - Future developments

As a new EU member, Bulgaria faces the challenge of implementing European environmental and sustainable development standards whilst tackling economic reform to encourage more efficient use of resources and reduce pollution.

As a new EU member, Bulgaria faces the challenge of implementing European environmental and sustainable development standards whilst tackling economic reform to encourage more efficient use of resources and reduce pollution. A situation similar to that faced by many other countries in Europe. The current agenda features a continuous stream of new environmental legislation and the elaboration of strategic targets and policies on new environmental issues.

The major challenge is to cut greenhouse gas emissions while boosting GDP growth. In order to develop the use of clean and sustainable energy it is necessary to improve the energy mix by increasing the share of low-emission energy commodities. Another obstacle Bulgaria faces in its attempts to restrict energy demand and reduce environmental impact is the need to improve the economy's energy efficiency and minimise the losses incurred as a result of obsolete technology and infrastructure. Growth in the transport sector and its impact on quality of life requires special attention. If emissions of greenhouse gases, ozone precursors and particulate formation pollutants (РМ₁₀) are to be cut, it is important to reduce the energy-intensity of transport and implement sustainable transport patterns (Source: MoEW - http://www.moew.government.bg).

 Achieving sustainability in demand and production requires a long-term resource use concept defining the main measures for improving the environment at each stage of a product's lifecycle − e.g. reduction of emissions and harmful waste; prudent use of resources and adoption of a sustainable product manufacturing cycle (Source: MoEW - http://www.moew.government.bg).

Reference sources:

The NSI - National Statistical Institute - http://www.nsi.bg

The Council of Ministers - http://www.government.bg

The MoEW - Ministry of the Environment and Waters - http://www.moew.government.bg

The MRDPW - Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works - http://www.mrrb.government.bg

The MEE - Ministry of the Economy and Energy - http://www.mi.government.bg

The MoAF - Ministry of Agriculture and Food - http://www.mzh.government.bg

The SFA - State Forestry Agency - http://www.dag.bg

The SEEA - State Energy Efficiency Agency - http://www.seea.government.bg

The ExEA - Executive Environment Agency - http://eea.government.bg/eng