In Bulgaria, the Natura 2000 network has been perceived not only as a policy matter, but also actually applied as an important tool of our European membership, Vice President Margarita Popova said today. She took part in celebrations in the Central Balkan national park in Kalofer of the 20th anniversary of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

The Vice President emphasised that the European Union remains a global leader in, and Bulgaria an example of, effective implementation of policies to protect, restore and preserve the balance of the environment.

In the EU, Bulgaria has the second-largest percentage of territory covered by the Natura 2000 network. It is therefore necessary to forge ahead with sustained efforts to protect the natural wealth of Bulgaria both by institutions and every citizen. Vice President Popova said that in five years of EU membership, Bulgaria has been highly visible and has had powerful citizens' initiatives in environmental protection and more companies are investing in “green” policies. The Vice President said that the fact that more young people perceived the environment as “an important barometer of modernity” was a highly important process in Bulgarian society. “Bulgaria's membership of the EU has brought a lot of added value in different areas of social and political life, but one of the most important values is caring for and initiatives in protecting the environment,” she said.

Together with the Minister of Environment and Water Nona Karadzhova and the Director-General Environment of the European Commission Karl Falkenberg, the Vice President opened the Byala River eco trail in the Central Balkan national park.