Sofia vs. vandalism: Municipality imposes €1,000 fines for graffiti

Sofia takes decisive measures against vandalism on facades and underpasses

Sofia Municipality is stepping up its efforts to remove unauthorized graffiti from iconic locations in Sofia. Just this summer, three offenders were fined 1000 euros, which is a serious signal to anyone who decides to turn the city's facades into their personal "canvas".

"The difference between urban art and vandalism is visible and palpable. I want Sofia to provide more space for good art, but someone else's facade is not a canvas for scribbles," said Mayor Vasil Terziev.

How is the municipality changing the look of the city?

• Large-scale cleaning of facades, underpasses, and public transport stops.
• Focusing efforts around the NDK (National Palace of Culture) and key pedestrian zones such as "G. S. Rakovski" St. and "Graf Ignatiev" St.
• Preparing amendments to the regulations to make it easier to identify and penalize perpetrators.

Civic responsibility – the key to a cleaner city

Although cleaning and sanctions are important, Mayor Terziev emphasizes that caring for the city starts with the attitude of each one of us. The municipality calls on citizens:

• If you witness vandalism in a public environment, report it promptly to phone 112.
• Real-time intervention is the only way to effectively catch perpetrators on the spot.

Sofia Municipality not only punishes but also supports legitimate forms of urban art by working to open up more regulated spaces for creativity.