Bulgaria has the third highest death rate in the world caused by air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. Every year, over 15,000 people in the country die prematurely due to air pollution. It also leads to reduced productivity and costs for treating diseases caused by pollution.

Bulgaria is almost in constant breach of European air quality legislation, and has already been found liable on multiple occasions. That is why, a decision was made at a round table organized at the National Assembly to include the WHO’s findings and recommendations in the draft of the 2021-2030 National Health Strategy.