Central

The national environmental protection policy is integrated into sectoral policies: transport, energy, construction, agriculture, tourism, industry, education etc., and is implemented by the competent executive authorities (According to Article 9 of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA)).

The Minister of Environment and Water shall perform the following functions (Article 11 EPA):

• Together with sectoral bodies, develop the environmental protection policy and strategy in the Republic of Bulgaria;
• Direct the National Environmental Monitoring System through the Executive Environment Agency;
• Control the state of the environment in Bulgaria;
• Coordinate the controlling powers of other executive authorities in respect of the environment;
• Issue orders, permits, instructions and endorse methodologies;
• Perform other activities associated with environmental protection and management in conformity with the special laws;
• Prepare an Annual Report on the State of the Environment;
• Prepare and submit to the European Commission reports on the implementation of statutory instruments of the Acquis Communautaire in the field of Environment.

Climate Change

• The Minister of Environment and Water has authority for the overall implementation of the government policy on climate change mitigation (Article 3 Climate Change Mitigation Act)
• Articles 4, 5 and 6 set out the specific tasks of the Minister and Council of Ministers.

Regional

District authorities (English translation designates them as Regional Governors) are responsible for (Article 16 EPA):

• Ensuring the conduct of the national environmental protection policy;
• Coordinating the work of the executive authorities and the administrations, and
• Coordinating the activities comprehended in the conduct of the environmental protection policy among the different municipalities.
• Issuing penalty decrees acting on written statements drawn up according to the procedure.

Local ​

Municipal authorities are responsible for (Article 15 EPA):

• Informing the community about the state of the environment;
• Elaborating and controlling plans for elimination of the effects of accidents and burst pollution within the territory of the municipality (together with the other authorities);
• Organising waste management within the territory of the municipality;
• Overseeing the construction, maintenance and proper operation of waste water treatment plants in the urbanised areas;
• Organising and overseeing the cleanness, maintenance, conservation and expansion of the settlement green structures within the nucleated settlements and in the country areas;
• The conservation of biological diversity, of the landscape and of the natural and cultural heritage therein;
• Designating and making public the persons responsible for maintenance of the cleanness of streets, sidewalks and other areas for public use within the nucleated settlements, and
• The exploitation of local thermal springs.

Climate Change

• No competencies identified at the local level.
• Long term goal for municipalities to develop and implement Local Climate Change adaptation strategies.

Responsible ministries/bodies

Ministry for Environment and Water

National Council of Experts on Climate Change

Sources:

Zakon za Opazvane na Okolnata Sreda  [Environment Protection Act], last amended 13.03.2020

Zakon za Upravlenie na Otpaducite [Law on Waste Management]

Zakon za Ogranichavane Izmenenieto na Klimata [Climate Change Mitigation Act], amended and supplemented last amended 20.03.2020.         ​