EU asks Bulgaria to implement pesticide use regulations

The European Commission asked on October 24 that seven countries, Bulgaria included, pass legislation to ensure compliance with the directive on sustainable use of pesticides, reducing the risks and impact on people’s hearth and the environment.

"These seven member states still have not fully turned this directive into national law, although they were required to do so by 26 November 2011,” the Commission said in a statement.

Five countries – Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia – have implemented the directive partially, but “shortcomings ranging from certification systems for professional users to requirements on the protection of the aquatic environment still exist,” the EC said.

Two others, Bulgaria and Luxembourg, have not notified the EC of any steps taken to bring their legislation in line with EU law.

The Commission’s request took the form of a reasoned opinion, the second stage of infringement procedures that the EC can launch against member states, meaning that the countries have two months to inform the Commission of the measures they have taken.

Failure to respond could lead to the Commission referring the cases to the European Court of Justice.