site.btaVitosha Nature Park's Future Development Cannot Be Discussed or Decided Without Sofia Municipality, Mayor Terziev Says

The future development of Vitosha Nature Park cannot be discussed or decided without the participation of Sofia Municipality, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said in connection with Monday's meeting on the future of the mountain held at the Regional Development and Public Works Ministry, the municipality's press office announced.

Terziev noted that the municipality had not been invited to take part in the discussion, but stressed that he would not speculate on the reasons for its exclusion and that the issue of Vitosha should not become a matter of political confrontation. According to him, the government's positions on key issues concerning the mountain largely coincide with those advocated by Sofia Municipality over the past two years through its Vision for Vitosha initiative.

The mayor recalled that the municipality has consistently called for the development of a new management plan, improved access to the mountain, and the adoption of a long-term strategy for its development. He emphasized the need for close cooperation among all relevant institutions.

Terziev also said that the next step should be the signing of a memorandum among all stakeholders to formalize commitments and establish a clear timeline for implementing the necessary measures.

"The most important decisions concerning Vitosha cannot be taken by a single institution," Terziev said, adding that effective coordination, consistency, and a clear division of responsibilities are essential. He assured that Sofia Municipality would continue to be a constructive partner of the state and would keep advocating for concrete solutions in the public interest.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the Regional Development and Public Works Ministry on proposed legislative amendments related to the future development of Vitosha Nature Park, Environment and Water Minister Rositsa Karamfilova expressed the political ambition of launching substantive work on drafting a new management plan for Vitosha Nature Park at the beginning of 2027. According to her, a great deal of work lies ahead before that, with the first stage being the preparation of the planning brief.