Bulgaria's move to overturn EU pollution laws a "terrible political signal"

ClientEarth lawyers have responded to the announcement that Bulgaria will support the Polish government’s campaign to overturn EU pollution laws.

Energy lawyer Sam Bright said: “The Bulgarian government is doubling down on its efforts to shirk environmental responsibility. Not even a fortnight into the country’s EU presidency, it is seeking to undermine democratically agreed rules designed to protect people across Europe from toxic pollution.

“Bulgaria has a terrible track record on emissions from energy production. The government is currently fighting several legal battles relating to the national coal industry. That includes unlawfully allocating public money to coal plants, and failing even to stick to the former, lower pollution limits.

“The legal case against the Commission is weak and Bulgaria’s intervention sends a terrible political signal. The Bulgarian government should be showing true leadership during its EU presidency, not trying to undo rules designed to protect our health and the climate.”

ClientEarth is taking legal cases related to coal against Bulgaria, over unlawful state aid, misuse of state aid, illegal mining, and illegal pollution from power plant Maritsa III in Dimitrovgrad, with more on the horizon.