Delays in coal-fired plant shutdowns are jeopardising public health in Bulgaria

Human Rights Research Center
11 minutes ago
3 min read

December 11, 2025

HRRC demands that the Bulgarian government introduces stricter restrictions on coal-fired factories within the country, given the severe negative impact of pollution caused by the plants, especially for those under the age of 17. Increased rates of respiratory conditions for residents who live closer to the factories should be sufficient grounds for the government to take immediate action.

Maritsa Iztok Complex is the largest energy complex in South Eastern Europe [Image source: DuckDuckGo Search]

Named after communist dictator Georgi Dmitrov, Dimitrovgrad is a small town in southern Bulgaria that has become well-known due its proximity to the coal-fired power plant Maritsa 3. Maritsa 3, which has been operational since the 1970s, was given the order for administrative closure in 2022, due to the significant amounts of sulphur dioxide it produces.However, the plant continues to operate, with the negative side effects being evident in local residents.

Inhalation of sulphur dioxide can be extremely damaging to health, especially for children. The harmful repercussions that Maritsa 3 has had on the people of Dimitrovgrad has been serious, with increased rates of respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis recorded. When compared to nearby cities, children under the age of 17 in Dimitrovgrad are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from acute upper respiratory infections.

Southeast Bulgaria is the last region in Europe which experiences consistent problems in relation to sulphur-dioxide production, and environmental organisations believe it is being extenuated by the government’s decision to prioritise profit over public health.

There are believed to be at least four coal plants in southeastern Bulgaria that have refused to apply EU environmental law, and domestic institutions (such as the Ministry of Environment and Water & the Executive Environmental Agency) that oversee these plants do not strictly enforce regulations, allowing the operators to act with minimal oversight and accountability.

When compared to other countries in the region, such as Romania and the Czech Republic, Bulgaria has fallen behind in phasing out coal. Their current proposed timeline for the phase out of coal has been delayed to 2038, which falls significantly behind the timelines offered by its more ambitious neighbours.

However, in relation to overall air quality, some progress is being made. The Bulgarian government is being more aggressive in its plans to enforce stronger air quality regulations by 2026, likely prompted by the fact that Bulgaria currently sits second in a survey of polluted air in European Union (EU) countries.

While some progress has been made, the Bulgarian government must do more and introduce stronger restrictions, especially in relation to coal plants. The damage being done to the citizens of the country is often long-lasting, making the implementation of these policies is a matter of utmost urgency.

Glossary

Accountability – being responsible for your actions and facing consequences if you fail to do what is required.
Acute – strong or severe, often happening suddenly.
Administrative closure – when a government or official body temporarily stops or closes an activity or case.
Ambitious – aiming for big, challenging goals.
Asthma – a medical condition that makes it hard to breathe because the airways become narrow.
Bronchitis – a lung condition where the tubes that carry air to the lungs become irritated, causing coughing and trouble breathing.
Dictator – a ruler who has complete power and does not allow opposition.
Enforce – make sure a rule, law, or instruction is followed.
Extenuated – weakened or made less severe.
Inhalation – the act of breathing in.
Institutions – organisations such as governments, schools, or agencies that carry out important public functions.
Oversight – supervision or monitoring to ensure rules are followed.
Phaseout – a gradual ending or stopping of something.
Proximity – how close something is to something else.
Repercussions – negative results or consequences.
Respiratory – related to breathing or the lungs.
Respiratory infections – an illness that affects the parts of the body used for breathing.
Severe – very strong or severe
Sufficient – as much as needed.
Sulphur dioxide – a toxic gas released mainly when fuels like coal or oil are burned.

Sources

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Delays in coal-fired plant shutdowns are jeopardising public health in Bulgaria

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