(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - Bulgaria does not protect birds in danger of extinction, therefore the EC has decided to bring the country before the European Court of Justice. In particular, according to Brussels, Bulgaria has failed to protect the habitat of endangered species in the Rila Mountains, violating the EU Directive 2009/147/EC. The local authorities have failed to enlarge the nature reserve area on the highest mountain range in the Balkans, thus endangering the survival of 17 species of birds. The European legislation obliges all EU member states to select certain protected areas for the conservation of endangered species. So far, Bulgaria has only classified 72% of the Rila Mountain area as ''special protected area'', thus leaving without protection a significant part of the habitat where several species mentioned in the EU Directive live.

Despite the reasoned opinion sent to Brussels in October 2014, the Bulgarian authorities ''failed to meet these obligations'', then the EC has decided to take the case to the European court of justice. Austria must not discriminate against foreign ski instructors. Therefore, after repeated warnings, Brussels has decided to bring the country before the European court of justice. According to the Commission, the Austrian Government ''has not adequately addressed concerns'' regarding, in particular, some restrictions imposed by in the regulations of the Tyrol region and in the province of Styria. (ANSA).