Illegal construction dispute in Varna, Bulgaria

Bulgarian authorities have initiated actions against illegal construction in the Baba Alino area near Varna. Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov announced plans to disconnect water and electricity to structures in the so-called ‘illegal city’ and move toward demolishing buildings that lack proper development plans. The minister also suggested potential corruption in the construction process and indicated a replacement for the local water utility manager due to lack of cooperation.

Following these municipal orders, residents in the complex have begun experiencing electricity outages. While the electricity distributor, ERP Sever, reported that power was disconnected for five specific buildings per the Mayor of Varna, residents claim the outages affect many homes. The municipality maintains that these disconnections follow orders issued in 2025 regarding violations of the Territory Management Act. Residents have appealed the orders, alleging they were not properly notified and characterizing the utility cuts as “psychological pressure” intended to force them from their homes.

In September 2026, the Varna Municipality expanded its enforcement actions. Deputy Mayor Plamen Kitipov announced plans to physically seal several buildings within the complex to render them uninhabitable after utility providers, ViK and ‘Energo-Pro’, complete the disconnection of electricity and water. This measure is expected to affect one property comprising approximately six buildings. Residents continue to contest the legality of these actions, stating they purchased their homes in good faith with notarized deeds and have consistently paid local taxes. Property owners are now calling for a meeting with Mayor Blagomir Kotsev to address the situation.