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Yesterday, I stopped the implementation of projects in the Kresna Gorge after receiving a letter from the European Commission (EC) on July 27.

It clearly states that, in compliance with the European directives, the EC expects from the Bulgarian government a new EIA assessment and an Assessment for compatibility with "Natura 2000" of the Struma highway for Lot 3.2 in the Kresnensky Prolom region, including full and equal all possible alternatives are re-evaluated.

The EC unequivocally emphasizes that the choice of alternatives cannot be pre-judged and that the EC services will closely monitor all actions on the project and ensure compliance with environmental legislation, taking the necessary measures in this direction if necessary. 

This is what the former Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov wrote on his personal Facebook page

He graduated from Sofia University "St.

Kliment Ohridski, "Geography" major, and it is on the occasion of the information that has appeared that he has canceled EIA procedures, which may prevent the completion of the "Struma" highway and Bulgaria will have to return millions of euro funds.

Here's what else he says:

"One day before the letter from the EC, on July 26, I indicated the same circumstances to the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, namely that in order to comply with the requirements of European and national legislation and not to lose European funds, it is necessary to prepare new EIA and OS and that the 2017 EIA decision cannot be applied. 

Sandov: Kiril Petkov's father expressed a civil position for AM "Struma", there is no Shurobajanism

Taking into account the EC's letter, on August 1 I stopped 2 procedures for construction of parts of Lot 3.2 of AM "Struma" at the API.

Both actually violate the European requirements, because they lead to the absence of a new EIA and OS and predetermine the implementation of the alternative approved in 2017 - that is, not stopping them would lead to a direct violation of the European directives and the conditions of the EC and to subsequent measures by the EC towards Bulgaria.

Since the beginning of the government's mandate, I have pointed out that the fastest possible start of a new EIA and OS with all possible alternatives outside Kresnensky Prolom and the city of Kresna is the most important condition for speeding up the construction of the highway, for obtaining and preserving European funding and for preventing future criminal proceedings.

My decision is fully in sync with Bulgarian legislation and the recommendations of the European Commission, including

with the letter of DG Regio to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

My decision does not put EU funds at risk and Bulgaria will not return money as a result of this decision". 

Borislav Sandov

European Commission

The Kresna Gorge

AM Struma