Greenpeace and Za Zemiata File EU Complaint Over Bulgaria’s Coal Plants to Safeguard People’s Health
Sofia, 09 September 2025 — Greenpeace Bulgaria and Za Zemiata are filing a complaint with the European Commission today over repeated failures by Bulgarian authorities to enforce EU environmental law at four heavily polluting coal plants: Bobov Dol, Brikel, Republika, and Maritsa 3. All four are linked to Bulgarian business mogul Hristo Kovachki [1], suggesting that financial interests are being prioritised over public health and the environment.
“Bulgarian institutions refuse to apply EU environmental law as intended, favoring coal owners over people and nature,” said environmental lawyer Regina Stoilova. “This complaint provides evidence for the European Commission to initiate infringement procedures.”
The complaint highlights violations spanning 2018–2023. Instead of enforcing environmental standards, Bulgarian institutions – including the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Executive Environmental Agency, and Regional Environmental and Water Inspectorates – have repeatedly issued permits to offenders, imposed weak or ineffective fines, and ignored serious pollution events that threaten public health.
“These coal plants are shielded by an institutional network protecting Kovachki’s opaque coal business,” added Meglena Antonova, Director of Greenpeace Bulgaria. “Thousands of Bulgarians living under these chimneys continue to face rampant pollution with no accountability. That’s why we are turning to European authorities.”
Bulgarian courts have also failed to act. During 2022 legal proceedings for Brikel and Maritsa 3, the plants continued operating for three years, exposing thousands of citizens to unsafe pollution levels. Fines are routinely evaded: between 2018–2023, Kovachki-linked plants avoided nearly EUR 2.5 million in penalties, with Brikel paying only EUR 3,300 of fines over six years.
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Notes:
[1] The ‘Kovachki’ coal business empire spans 180+ companies, including 8 mines, 8 district heating plants, and 3 thermal power plants.
