The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov participated in the informal meeting of EU environment ministers, traditionally organized by each rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The one-day meeting in Warsaw was dedicated to the different approaches to tackling disinformation and climate change adaptation.

The ministers united around the view that disinformation is a cross-border problem and emphasized as means to tackle it the exchange of information among member states, increased coordination, and targeted training.

Bulgaria positively assessed the initiative to tackle disinformation, emphasizing that given the sensitivity of society to issues related to environmental and climate protection, they are often subject to targeted attacks and false or misleading information. It is of particular importance that institutions provide anticipatory, accessible and clear information about the policy implementation, while conducting an open and free public debate. In addition, Minister Genov stated that fundamental democratic values, such as the right to freedom of thought and speech, should not be affected.

The meeting continued with a discussion on the issues of climate change adaptation and the initiative to develop a European Coping Plan. Climate change adaptation is a strategic priority for the European Union, which aims not only to limit the adverse impacts of climate change, but also to ensure the sustainability of society and the economy. The European Commission envisages the preparation of a plan to support Member States in the implementation of these goals.

In his speech, Minister Manol Genov welcomed the initiative to develop a European Adaptation Plan and described it as a “timely response to increasing climate risks”. He listed the important aspects for our country, including: strengthening the support for regional and local actions; access to quality climate data, scenarios, modeling tools, and early warning systems; promoting nature-based solutions; adaptation of critical infrastructure, etc. In conclusion, Minister Genov emphasized that it is important to take into account national specificities, as well as that our country is ready for active cooperation with the Commission services in the process of preparing the European Plan.