Press Release: Environment: Commission takes Spain to court over nature conservation shortcomings, warns Cyprus and Bulgaria

The European Commission has taken Spain to Court for its failure to provide adequate protection for 174 Natura 2000 areas in the Canary Islands. Spain is now two years behind schedule in providing the necessary protection. Separate warning letters for other nature cases were sent to Cyprus and Bulgaria. The Cyprus case, which was opened in 2007, concerns a failure to designate a sufficient number of protected areas for birds. The Commission is also concerned about environmental impact assessments made in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria prior to the development of ski resorts there.