Residents of Sveti Vlas and the Nessebar municipality are taking decisive action to protect their right to health, a clean environment, and a stable prebiotic ecosystem. On Friday, September 18, 2026, starting at 09:00, the Residents' Initiative Committee will organize a protest, during which the Burgas–Varna road will be blocked by a human chain near the "Kosharitsa" checkpoint. The protest, which is expected to last approximately 30 minutes, is not political, but rather a desperate act of self-defense by the local community and businesses.
Infrastructure Crisis: 27 Years Without Change
The cause of the discontent is the critical state of the "Elenite" wastewater treatment plant, which serves thousands of people in Sveti Vlas and the surrounding areas. According to protesters, this is strategically vital infrastructure for which the state must bear full responsibility. However, the situation is more an example of long-term inaction. Over the last 27 years, no necessary technical improvements have been made to the facility, and its management has been unstable since privatization in 1999, during which time the plant has changed owners many times.
The consequences of this lack of control and modernization are already real and painful. On August 12, 2026, a major accident at the plant led to seawater pollution, forcing the RZI Burgas (Regional Health Inspectorate) to close "Istok" beach. This has not only endangered public health but has also dealt heavy financial blows to local businesses and the tourism sector in the height of the season, driving away visitors and damaging the image of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Demands for Justice and Clear Deadlines
Citizens are not looking for mere promises, but for concrete commitments and an action plan. The Initiative Committee has sent official letters to the Prime Minister and the relevant ministries—Regional Development, Environment, Finance, and Tourism—as well as to the Governor of Burgas Province. A mass petition signed by the local population has been attached to these documents.
The residents' proposals are clear and are divided into two main deadlines:
- By November 1, 2026: The responsible institutions must organize a meeting and present a detailed plan with specific measures and timelines to resolve the problem.
- By May 15, 2027: The wastewater treatment problem must be definitively and permanently resolved before the start of the summer season and the hosting of "Eurovision".
"We are fighting for the health and livelihood of our families. We are also fighting for the future of marine tourism along the entire Bulgarian Black Sea coast," the organizers stated. They warned that if a dialogue with the state is not established or if the set deadlines are ignored, they will undertake further protest actions.