The alliance of eco-organisations Vitosha 2002 demanded the dismissal of Bulgaria's Natura 2000 introduction coordinators.

Cabinet failed finding a balance between environmental protection and municipal and business interests related to the introduction of the network, a letter from the alliance to Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said.

At the same time municipalities said that the Cabinet decision was unsatisfactory. The territories to be included in the network would still hinder investment plans, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

The decision also failed giving society the right to question it, municipal representatives said.

According to European directives owners of land who own plots in the area to become part of the network should be informed in advance. An information campaign never took place, municipalities said.

Municipal officials once again called for protests against the manner in which Cabinet handled the introduction of Natura 2000.