With the adoption of a special ordinance in December 2022, Sofia Municipality introduced one of the first low emission zones for motor vehicles in Central and Eastern Europe, following the example of almost 300 other European cities. Despite the original intention for the measure to be effective in combating the low air quality in Sofia Municipality, the application of the provisions of the current Ordinance is too vague and the administrative enforcement measures adopted in the form of fines are practically difficult to implement. 

The aim of this analysis is to propose concrete legislative measures that would contribute to a more effective implementation of the Ordinance in Sofia Municipality, by providing a summarised and systematised legal framework of the organisation and implementation of low emission zones in other European cities.