Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister for Climate Policy and Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov discussed with President Rumen Radev the possibilities for cooperation in the field of climate diplomacy and environmental protection. The meeting was held at 2 Dondukov Blvd. on initiative by Minister Borislav Sandov.

Rumen Radev and Borislav Sandov expressed a common position that economic growth should be achieved with environmental care and protection of natural resources in mind. The two discussed the mechanisms for building a “green” economy and achieving a reasonable balance in the process of this transition.

“In respect to ecology, Bulgarian citizens have high expectations to have cleaner air, to stop the barbaric logging of forests and water pollution, to protect biodiversity, and to conserve Bulgarian nature,” said Rumen Radev. According to the President, fictitious environmental policies have been pursued so far. He highlighted as a challenge the actions to address the infringement proceedings against our country by the European Commission in the environment sector.

In response, Minister Sandov pointed out that the new team at the Ministry of Environment and Water has set as an immediate and most important objective to undertake all possible steps to fulfill the requirements and prescriptions by the European Commission and prevent penalties under these proceedings, where possible.

The meeting discussed the possibilities for actions in combating climate change, including restoration and preservation of forest areas. Minister Sandov received support by the President for his initiative to launch a national afforestation campaign for planting 100 million trees by 2030, whereby Bulgaria will join a pan-European afforestation campaign.