Strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania were discussed by Minister Borislav Sandov and Romanian Minister of Environment, Water and Forestry Barna Tanczos at a bilateral meeting during the two-day forum of environment ministers in Amiens.

Minister Sandov noted that this February marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Convention between the governments of the two countries on cooperation in the field of environmental protection and suggested to strengthen the joint work on common priorities in the field of environment and climate.

During the meeting, Minister Sandov also raised the issue of air pollution over the city of Ruse, caused by the burning of stubble in the fall. Minister Tanczos noted that stubble burning is prohibited by law in Romania, but although it is criminalized, it is still practiced. He also assured that ways are being sought to stop this illegal burning, including by tracking occurrences by satellite, and imposing restrictive measures on farmers.

The two ministers also exchanged ideas for cooperation in other areas of environment and climate, such as good practices in deforestation prevention – a challenge that Romania is facing along the Northern bank of the Danube. One of the main measures that Romania has set for funding under the Recovery and Sustainability Plan focuses on reforestation.

During the meeting future joint actions for water and biodiversity protections in the Black Sea and along the Danube were also discussed, including the declaration of protected areas and waters.

Minister Sandov extended an invitation to his Romanian counterpart to visit our country in the second half of March this year, which Minister Tanczos accepted.