Today, the Deputy Prime Minister for Climate Policy and Minister of Environment and Water participated in the European Union (EU) Environment Council in Brussels. This is the first participation at ministerial level in 2 years in this highest decision-making forum on environment in the EU.

One of the main discussion topics was the new legislative proposals by the European Commission in the field of climate. In his speech, the Minister noted that European climate policy opens new doors and offers a wide range of opportunities to make the planet a better place to live for all of us.

He highlighted that climate neutrality could not be achieved without mobilization and better coordinated measures in a number of important policies to enhance and promote growth, competition, the labor market, social policy, skills development, regional cohesion, taxation, research,  as well as other structural policies.

“Achieving ambitious goals will not be easy, but it can only motivate us to move forward and find the best possible solutions. Precisely because in difficulties we see no obstacles, but opportunities - for a more sustainable and good life, for a better environment and healthy ecosystems, for a more competitive and innovative economy, our approach will have the necessary focus, responsibility, and courage,” said Deputy Prime Minister Sandov.

During the morning session, a bilateral meeting was held with the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius, whereby the two discussed the difficult task ahead of hard work to close the numerous infringement procedures against Bulgaria in the field of environment. Commissioner Sinkevicius noted that political will and commitments by the government are needed to meet the high standards of EU environmental policy in order to create a better present for our citizens. Minister Sandov assured the Commissioner of the new policy of zero tolerance to corruption and full commitment to achieving high quality of the environment in Bulgaria.

At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Sandov was greeted by his colleagues the Federal Minister of Climate and Environment of Austria Leonore Gevessler, the Minister of Environment of Germany Steffi Lemke, the Minister of Environment of Luxembourg Carole Dieschbourg, the Minister of Environment of Malta Aaron Farrugia, and the Minister of Environment of Lithuania Simonas Gentvilas.

In the afternoon session, the ministers will discuss the new Regulation on batteries and battery waste and the EU Soil Strategy.

Also, the Deputy Prime Minister for Climate Policy and Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov will have a bilateral meeting with the Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans.