site.btaGovernment Adopts Amendments to Water Act to Simplify Permitting and Water Management

The Bulgarian government has adopted amendments to the Water Act aimed at reducing administrative burdens for water users by streamlining permitting procedures and registration regimes.

The new provisions expand local authorities’ powers, introducing a notification system for water abstraction from the Danube River for irrigation and a simplified regime for municipal reservoirs. The amendments also optimize institutional coordination, set mandatory deadlines for authorities, and eliminate the need for applicants to submit certain documents, which will now be obtained ex officio.

According to the government, the previous procedures were lengthy and cumbersome, requiring numerous documents and coordination between institutions, which delayed approvals and complicated effective water management. The amendments aim to create a more flexible and efficient process while aligning Bulgaria’s water management with the EU Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC).

Additionally, municipalities will now have the option to extend the period for the free management and use of mineral water deposits - which are state property - upon a justified request from the mayor and a municipal council decision, provided legal requirements are met.

The changes are expected to accelerate access to water resources, improve oversight by local authorities, and support more effective, sustainable water management across Bulgaria.