Sofia, January 19 (BTA) - Joint efforts and collaboration are needed to improve the quality of the air in Sofia - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov and Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova concurred at a working meeting, the Ministry of Environment and Water said on Wednesday.

Minister Sandov noted that his ministry has inherited penal actions from the European Commission (EC), and municipalities must help address some of them. Urgent measures to improve air quality were discussed in view of the case against Bulgaria at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
 
Sofia Municipality is implementing two programmes for free replacement of solid fuel heating appliances, Mayor Yordanka Fandakova said.
 
Minister Sandov pointed out that national funding of 47 million leva has been provided for the first time for the creation of a national mechanism for investments in improving air quality. His shared vision was that "by improving air quality, we provide a more favourable living environment and save lives."

RY/MT