The Tourism Committee in the National Assembly has postponed the vote on a bill that mandates an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction and modification of sea cage farms along the Black Sea coast. The proposal, submitted on July 29, 2026, by GERB-SDS Member of Parliament Galya Vasileva and a group of MPs, will undergo further deliberation.
The sponsor, Galya Vasileva, justified the change by citing the need for stricter control due to increased interest in building aquaculture facilities in protected and tourist zones. "There is a loophole in the current legislation, as the construction of sea cage farms does not always undergo a mandatory EIA procedure," Vasileva clarified. She added that the topic was also discussed at a meeting with the Regional Governor of Burgas, which included mayors of Black Sea municipalities and MPs from the region.
Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Kostadin Geshev expressed disagreement with the idea of an automatic, mandatory EIA. According to him, the current regime is sufficient, as it provides for an assessment whenever there is a real risk to health and nature. In his words, "it cannot be assumed in advance that all aquaculture farming activities in the sea will have the same impact on the environment."
Reservations were also voiced by the Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Yasen Shterev of "Progressive Bulgaria." He noted that such a requirement would create a significant financial and administrative burden for investors, which could hinder the development of the sector. Shterev emphasized that, in his view, "the correct approach is to maintain the current regime, under which a full EIA procedure can be required if there is a real risk to the environment or tourism."
The MPs decided not to vote on the bill at the first reading until they have reviewed the opinions of the other committees that are yet to examine the document.