Water and Wastewater Sectors Financing Study

Country: Bulgaria

The aim of the project was the validation of the Government’s financing plans for the water and wastewater sectors, taking into account the experience of other EU members and accession countries with regards to the need of public sector financing, use of EU grants, and flow of private capital.

A detailed review of existing water legislation and policy was performed, including a comparison with other European countries. The current status with regard to achieving the requirements for joining the EU and the various financing mechanisms were assessed.

• Review of current Bulgarian legislation related to water supply and waste water treatment, as well as the relevant commitments undertaken by Bulgaria during the EU accession negotiations
• Analysis of  Government plans to restructure the water sector and change the ownership of the water and waste water assets
• Review the progress and the current plans for the establishment of the Water Sector Regulator
• Analyze the legally available options and experience in attracting the private sector in water supply and waste water treatment
• Review of all existing literature regarding the costs to upgrade the Bulgarian water and the wastewater sectors to meet EU standards
• Description of the institutional responsibilities in the country and the measures taken to promote the introduction of the private sector for operations
• Organising workshops with international participation