Bulgaria: Demonstration planned in Sofia July 7

Event

Demonstrators plan to gather in Sofia on Tuesday, July 7, against planned amendments to the Natura 2000 environmental legislation. In Sofia, protesters plan to gather in the vicinity of the Court House at 18:30 (local time) before departing at 19:00 towards the National Assembly via Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard. Smaller-scale gatherings are also planned in other urban centers nationwide, including Burgas and Varna. Organizers have called on participants to respect social distancing and wear face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Further protests over the issue are possible in the near term.

Context

In July, the European Commission (EC) requested that Bulgaria take steps to comply with its obligations under the Natura 2000 legislation regarding the protection of natural habitats and protected species. The EC has stated that legal action may be taken against Bulgaria for non-compliance.

Advice

Individuals in Bulgaria are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.