The European Commission has announced the launch of a public consultation on the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive. The aim is to gather views and opinions from stakeholders and the general public regarding the implementation of the two directives. During the consultation, stakeholders can provide specific proposals for reducing the administrative burden and achieving the directives’ objectives in a more cost-effective manner, while maintaining high standards of nature conservation.

The public consultation is open until August 4, 2026, and can be completed by filling out an online questionnaire available here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/18072-Birds-and-Habitats-Directives-stress-test_en.

The feedback received will be taken into account as part of a stress test of the two directives, which the European Commission is conducting in 2026. It is part of the European Commission’s broader simplification initiative aimed at boosting the EU’s competitiveness while preserving economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Announced in December 2025, the stress test aims to assess whether the directives remain fit for purpose in achieving their goals of protecting nature in the EU in a cost-effective manner.

The European Commission encourages citizens and stakeholders to participate in this public consultation.

The EU’s nature directives protect all birds and other species and habitats in the EU, contributing to Europe’s sustainability and the fulfillment of other international commitments in this area.

You can view the full text here:

https://www.moew.government.bg/bg/prescentur/aktualno/