Bulgaria boosts EU chances with CIWEM branch

A new branch of CIWEM - the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Managers - has opened in Bulgaria, potentially boosting the country's chances of EU membership.


Bulgaria, as an accession country, is trying to improve its environmental management standards in order to meet EU targets. According to the Commission, it still has a way to go in order to complete preparations for EU membership, with particular attention needed over the implementation of legislation in sectors of air quality, waste management, water quality, nature protection and issuing of integrated permits.

CIWEM already has specialist panels in these areas and says it is “looking forward” to helping Bulgarian members achieve the highest standards.

Nick Reeves, CIWEM Executive Director, will act as manager of the Bulgaria branch until a representative to CIWEM’s governing council is appointed.

“The new CIWEM Bulgaria and Balkans branch will provide enhanced opportunities for professionals – both experienced specialists and young people at the start of their careers. CIWEM Bulgaria looks forward to attracting environmental professionals from across the board into membership to broaden our sphere of knowledge and influence,” he said.

Bulgaria already has a competent authority for strategic environmental impact assessment and well-staffed river basin authorities. The first branch members of the new office are six senior managers from water company Sofiyska Voda AD, a joint venture partner of United Utilities in the UK.

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