About The Main Social Effects From Application of the European Union’s Environmental Protection Policy in Bulgaria by Using the Cohesion Funds

Abstract

The environmental protection policy worldwide and in particular within the European Union has a significant effects over various spheres of life. One and probably most important of them is the social sphere since it defines the environment we live, work and create. Improving the environmental conditions also affect the economy, biodiversity, tourism, etc. Since quality of potable water, appropriate air conditions, etc. are preconditions for high quality of life, the measures in this regard are absolutely necessary to provide and keep such social environment.  As a Member state Bulgaria has many obligations regarding the creation (the construction of new and/or reconstruction of existing infrastructure) of conditions that protect the environment. These obligations follow the requirements of the applicable law.  In addition to the above, the implementation of the EU policy regarding the environmental protection has a significant influence on the everyday behavior of the European citizens since the policy creates conditions that directly reflect mostly on our health but also welfare, recreation conditions, etc. Taking into account the above stated, this paper provides some main empirical data related to the social effects from application of the European Union’s environmental protection policy in Bulgaria as well as defines a brief conceptual frame for studying such an issue.