Bulgaria and environmental policies: key findings from the new EU report

In July 2025, the European Commission published its latest report on the implementation of environmental policies in the EU Member States. For Bulgaria, the document highlights both achievements and serious challenges. Here are the key points:

Circular economy: still a long road ahead

• The circular material use rate in Bulgaria is just 4.9% for 2023, far below the EU average of 11.8%. This means we use very little recycled material, keeping the pressure on natural resources high.

• Resource productivity stands at only 0.38 EUR/kg, compared to an EU average of 2.23 EUR/kg. In other words – we get far less economic value from every kilogram of resources used.

On the positive side: Bulgaria adopted its Strategy for Transition to a Circular Economy (2022–2027), which is a step in the right direction. But implementation still lies ahead...

Waste: too much landfilling

• 54% of municipal waste in Bulgaria still ends up in landfills, whereas the goal by 2035 is a maximum of 10%.

• The municipal waste recycling rate is only 25%, significantly below the EU average of 49%.

In recent years, waste incineration has dropped (just 3% in 2022), and non-compliant landfills have been closed. However, the Commission warns that Bulgaria risks failing to meet the 2025 recycling targets, which could lead to infringement procedures..

Biodiversity: progress on Natura 2000, but not enough

The report notes that Bulgaria has set conservation objectives for Natura 2000 sites. However, effective on-the-ground protection measures are still lacking, and management of these sites remains underfunded. Stable management structures and more resources are essential for real nature protection.

Air, water, and climate: a mixed picture

• Bulgaria continues to struggle with air quality, especially exceeding levels of fine particulate matter. The EU is pursuing infringement cases against the country for systemic breaches.

• On water management, it was only in January 2025 that Bulgaria finally submitted its third river basin management plan, after delays and infringement actions.

  
  

  

• In climate policy, there is some progress — renewable energy is growing, and there are incentives for electric vehicles and building renovations. Yet Bulgaria still lags behind similar-sized countries in new installed renewable capacity. Low-lying coastal areas remain particularly vulnerable to climate risks.

Financing: a major shortfall

The overall investment gap in Bulgaria’s environmental sector is estimated at €2.4 billion annually, or nearly 2.9% of GDP — three times the EU average. The biggest needs are in biodiversity and water management.

Conclusion: time for bold action

The report makes it clear that Bulgaria has significant potential to improve its environmental performance — but time for delay is running out.

We need:

✅ Stronger moves toward a circular economy;

✅ Faster recycling and reduced landfilling;

✅ More effective management and funding for protected areas;

✅ Strategies to address climate risks.

These are not just EU requirements — they are investments in people’s health, nature, and Bulgaria’s future competitiveness.