Air pollution from heating and transport is a significant problem in Bulgaria. Nearly 90% of the urban population is exposed to excessive levels of fine particulate matter (PM10) in 2016, well above the EU average. Fine particulate levels and benzazepine also significantly outstrip the target values in many cities.
The LIFE IP CLEAN AIR project brings together six large municipalities, building capacity to implement air quality programs as required by the Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe and the national legislation on air quality. For example, the project will pilot the replacement of polluting heating systems for households and will develop national recommendations for switching to alternative forms of heating.
LIFE IP CLEAN AIR will be a catalyst for mobilizing EU structural funding and national funds worth around € 1.4 billion in total. The project is expected to contribute to air quality that meets the legal requirements in the municipalities of Sofia, Bourgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Montana, Ruse and Stara Zagora, where one third of the population of Bulgaria lives.
