• Recommendation on Natura 2000 designation: The designation process should be finalised as soon as possible. All SCIs should be designated as SACs and designation orders should include adequate management prescriptions.

• Recommendation on Natura 2000 management: The development of management plans should be reinforced. No damaging activities in Natura 2000 sites should be allowed. Objective and high quality EIAs should be the basis for any investment projects in Natura 2000. Degradation and destruction of Natura 2000 must stop and restoration activities must be started.

• Recommendation on Natura 2000 financing: Clear assessment of costs for Natura 2000 should be prepared, which includes among others costs for development of management plans and restoration activities in Natura 2000. New operational programmes 2014–2020 must foresee sufficient funding for Natura 2000.

• Recommendation on impact of EU subsidies: The Bulgarian government should include nature and biodiversity protection as a key priority in the new national strategic framework for the EU programming period 2014-2020. Most available agri-environmental payments should be put in use.

• Recommendation on degradation of protected areas: The Bulgarian government should respect its obligations towards EU nature legislation and prevent new infringements. Special efforts are need to plan and regulate the renewable energy development that is currently the major threat for Natura 2000 sites.