The day in 3 news: ECJ sanctions coal plant over pollution; BGN 25 million for new traffic cameras; Pro-Russian protest in Sofia

The day in 3 news: ECJ sanctions coal plant over pollution; BGN 25 million for new traffic cameras; Pro-Russian protest in Sofia

© Надежда Чипева


Coal plant found guilty over pollution

The European Court of Justice has ruled that Bulgaria is violating European legislation by allowing the state-owned Maritsa-Iztok 2 coal power plant to pollute the air with sulfur dioxide. It also states that the plant does not have a plan to deal with carbon emissions.

The case was brought by environmental organizations Greenpeace - Bulgaria and For the Earth.

The decision sets a precedent for more lawsuits against the polluters and forces the Bulgarian court to reconsider its earlier decision to disregard pollution by the plant.

The two eco-organizations brought the case to the European Court because of the work permit that Maritza-Iztok 2 TPP received at the end of 2018 which gave it the right to emit almost double the authorised amount of sulfur dioxide.

Telelink and Sektron to build CCTV system to spot Sofia traffic violations

A consortium comprising the technological company Telelink Business Services and security company Sektron will build a smart video system for the Ministry of the Interior to monitor traffic violations. Financing for the project, estimated to cost BGN 25.3 million, will come from EU funds.

Telelink Business Services will fulfill 48% of the total contract and receive about BGN 12 million while some of the software work will be outsourced.

The project envisages the construction of a video system at all 35 intersections of the ring road in Sofia. It will have a secure telecommunications connection and smart video cameras. A total of 220 cameras will be able to spot violations such as passing through red lights, drivers using their phone and not using a seat belt.

Protest against the removal of famous Soviet monument

Pro-Russian protesters organised a demonstration to preserve the current location of the Monument to the Soviet Army, which is located in the center of Sofia.

The protest followed Sofia Council's decision to remove the monument which celebrates the Soviet Army and its occupation of Bulgaria.

Demonstrations were organized by various political parties such as BSP, Vazrazhdane and Ataka - all of which tend to harbor pro-Russian sentiments. The final decision is likely to be taken by the caretaker government.

Coal plant found guilty over pollution

The European Court of Justice has ruled that Bulgaria is violating European legislation by allowing the state-owned Maritsa-Iztok 2 coal power plant to pollute the air with sulfur dioxide. It also states that the plant does not have a plan to deal with carbon emissions.

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