Commission refers Bulgaria to Court over failure to sufficiently protect endangered bird species

On the 22 July 2016, the European Commission decided to take Bulgaria to the Court of Justice of the EU over its failure to protect unique habitant and bird species in the Rila Mountains. The European Commission concluded that the Bulgarian authorities had failed to widen the zone classified as a special protection area under the EU legislation on the conservation of wild birds (Directive 2009/147/EC).

In January 2016, the Court had ruled against Bulgaria in a similar case concerning the designation and protection of Kaliakra, another important area for protection of birds in the Southern Dobruja region of the northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Environment: Commission urges Bulgaria to comply with EU nature protection laws http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-environment-commission-urges-bulgaria-to-comply-with-eu-nature-protection-laws/

ESO: Background information: Environment: Commission takes Bulgaria to Court for failing to protect endangered species http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-environment-commission-takes-bulgaria-to-court-for-failing-to-protect-endangered-species/

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