European Union (EU) could cease providing financial aid for some regions if Bulgaria failed meeting requirements related to inclusion in Natura 2000 environment network , Andrei Kovachev, a Balkani Wildlife Society representative said.

Natura 2000 is European environment protection network, which includes areas in all EU members, mediapool.bg reported.

Bulgaria has failed so far to determine what part of its territory will be included in the network. Environmentalists demand higher percentage, while investors want minimal inclusion.

Bulgaria would lose not only funding for territories included in Natura, but also EU structural and cohesion funds for all projects in some regions, Kovachev said.

The European Commission started controlling strictly execution of engagements in to-be member states, mediapool.bg reported.

Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov and his deputies were meeting local authority representatives in Dobrich, Varna and Bourgas to discuss which areas should be included in Natura 2000.

The government postponed the decision on the final list of territories to be included in Natura 2000 for January 2007.