Bulgaria Seeks Common EU Rules for Shale Gas

Bulgaria's Energy Minister Traicho Traikov Bulgaria's Energy Minister has called for common EU legislation to regulate the exploration and production of shale gas.

"Bulgaria has initiated the creation of common European legislation for research and production of shale gas," he said.

According to the Minister, common regulations will guarantee not only economic improvement, but also high safety standards for the environment and population.

Earlier, Environment Minister Nona Karadzhova said that Bulgaria had asked the European Commission to allow an additional in-depth environmental impact study to be carried out before the launch of shale gas drilling in the country.