Bulgaria has achieved a remarkable feat, securing the second position in the European Union for bathing water quality in 2024. According to the European Environment Agency's (EEA) annual assessment, a staggering 97.9% of Bulgaria's surveyed bathing sites were rated as 'excellent'. This achievement underscores the country's dedication to providing pristine and safe waters for tourists and locals alike.
The EEA's report, released on June 20, 2025, evaluated over 22,000 bathing sites across the EU, Albania, and Switzerland. The assessment is based on bacterial contamination indicators, categorizing water quality into four levels. Bulgaria's success is particularly noteworthy, with 92 sites along the Black Sea coast and four inland locations included in the evaluation.
Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh highlighted the significance of these findings, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of national institutions. Authorities have been actively conducting inspections, with 189 inspections in the past month alone. These efforts demonstrate Bulgaria's commitment to offering a high-quality tourism product, especially as the country gears up for the summer tourist season.
The EEA's report also revealed that 85% of EU bathing sites met the 'excellent' quality standard. This reflects a stable trend in water quality across the continent. Bulgaria's achievement is a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to enhancing its tourism offerings.