A memorandum for joint actions and policies will be drafted between the MOEW and the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB). This was decided during yesterday's meeting of the Minister of Environment and Water Asen Lichev and his political team with the Executive Director of NAMRB Silvia Georgieva, Vladimir Georgiev - Member of the Board of the Association and Mayor of Samokov, and experts.

The main problems in the sector that need clear common policy solutions were identified. These include water and waste management, unregulated landfills, the conservation of protected areas and biodiversity, and more.

Minister Lichev announced that the government is to approve the National Waste Management Plan. He reminded of Bulgaria's commitments to the transition to a circular economy and the goals of reducing the amount of generated waste. The deadline for the introduction of the electronic waste register will be extended until all problems in the system are eliminated.

Deputy Minister Emilia Toncheva spoke about the need to include the improvement of conditions in zoos in the plans for integrated development of the municipalities. The possibilities for the municipalities to receive funding for construction and repair activities under the Operational Program “Regions in Growth” and for conservation activities and training programs under the Operational Program “Environment” were discussed.