Nikolai Kouyumdzhiev, Head of Bulgarian Delegation

In ICPDR's work, Heads of Delegations are often seen as "behind-the-scenes players" who - as inconspicuous as they sometimes may seem - actively steer the ICPDR processes and represent their countries on the highest political level. But how do they see the role of the ICPDR in relation to their countries? What is their position on current water issues? Danube Watch starts a series of portraits to reveal the human faces behind the ICPDR political decisions.

DANUBE WATCH: Mr. Kouyumdzhiev, how does Bulgaria benefit from its participation in the ICPDR?

KOUYUMDZHIEV: Participation in the ICPDR has been very useful for Bulgaria. Firstly, ten years ago it opened for my country the door for active cooperation with all other countries in the Danube Basin. It is true that at the beginning some countries resisted this new form of cooperation, but today they are all equally and actively participating. Secondly, working within the structures of the ICPDR, with its regular political and technical meetings, has reinforced Bulgaria's "Danubian identity". This strengthened sense of identity - the recognition that the contribution of every single country in the Basin is critically needed and strongly appreciated - has additionally motivated Bulgaria and all other Basin countries to harmonise their technical solutions, methodologies and approaches to adequately respond to the shared problems. May I add at this point that with the regular communication between Heads of Delegations, technical experts and water professionals, which we now have, some of the former strictly professional contacts have developed into genuine personal friendship.

DANUBE WATCH: Why did Bulgaria – with no legal obligation – agree to fulfil the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive?

KOUYUMDZHIEV: Bulgaria wants to join the European Union in 2007. Consequently, successful implementation of all European legislation is high on my country's agenda, and water-related legislation is no exception. Bulgaria has put huge resources and effort into harmonising its national water legislation with that of the EU. Since the EU Water Framework Directive in particular sets recognisably new standards in water policy, it was very good for Bulgarian experts to be involved in its implementation in the Danube River Basin from the very beginning; they have gained a lot of valuable knowledge and practical experience. In the different working groups for the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive formed under the ICPDR, an enormous change of experience has taken place; different water issues are discussed, and the experts can take new ideas and approaches home to their respective countries. Generally speaking, the development and implementation of a transboundary river basin management plan contributes to the improvement of water quality for all countries and their people.

DANUBE WATCH: On June 29, the first-ever Danube Day will be celebrated across the Danube Basin. What activities are planned in Bulgaria to mark the occasion?

KOUYUMDZHIEV: Let me first say that Bulgaria is very happy that Danube Day has been established in the first place. We believe that its celebration will additionally unite the people and the countries across the Basin by reminding our citizens that we share one river basin regardless of the national borders. The celebration of Danube Day is included in the timetable of Bulgaria's Ministry of Environment and Water, which has already formed a group to coordinate the preparations for the celebration and link the national events with other related activities in the Basin. The actual events marking the Day will be organised on a local level by our regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water and the Danube River Basin Districts, in close cooperation with national and local NGOs. We hope to involve a large number of citizens through excursions to river sites, clean-up activities, water-related games, exhibitions, “open house” days at institutions and laboratories, as well as scientific round tables and discussions. Furthermore, we are planning to link to the Danube other national events, such as those marking Earth Day on April 22 and the International Environment Day on June 5. Let me add at this point that Danube Day has an additional, symbolic meaning for us in Bulgaria because it marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention - which was signed here, in Sofia. We take special pride in the fact that the Bulgarian capital was the venue for this important political step that has led to fruitful cooperation in the largest river basin in the world.

DANUBE WATCH: Thank you very much, Mr.Kouyumdzhiev.

Jasmine Bachmann

BULGARIA: FACTS & FIGURES

Size:                                  110.993 km2
Population:                        7.9 million
Capital:                              Sofia (1.11 million inhabitants)
Per-capita GDP (2003)    2.100 Euro
Length of the Danube:      472 km
Share of the total basin:   47.200 km2 (5.9%)
Main harbours:                  Rousse, Lom, Vidin

HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS

Bulgaria earned its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. In 1946, it was established as People's Republic of Bulgaria under the Soviet sphere of interest. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multi-party election since World War II and began the demanding process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy, struggling to combat inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. The reforms and the democratisation process have put Bulgaria on the right path leading to its integration into the EU, which is planned for 2007. As early as June 29, 1994, Bulgaria signed the Danube River Protection Convention.