A sprawling residential development built without a single permit in a Natura 2000 site has triggered a row over who let it happen
SOFIA – The European Commission is “closely following” a construction scandal that has triggered multiple investigations into more than 100 buildings that were erected inside a protected Natura 2000 site near the Black Sea city of Varna.
The Baba Alino case has dominated Bulgarian headlines for weeks, with new allegations emerging almost daily. At its centre is a residential development built by Ukrainian-owned KYB Corporation inside the nature protection area between Varna and the Golden Sands resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
Natura 2000 is the EU’s flagship network of protected sites, designated to preserve endangered habitats and species. Bulgarian authorities say the project was built without valid construction permits and are investigating how local and national institutions failed to prevent it.
The scandal has rapidly evolved from a local planning dispute into a national political controversy, drawing in ministers, security services, opposition leaders and questions over foreign influence. The European Commission confirmed to Euractiv that it is aware of the allegations, but taking no action at present.
