European Commission to Finance Bulgaria-Greece Interconnector, Says Borissov

Bulgaria said it received the support of the European Commission, which reportedly committed to financing a gas pipeline connecting Bulgaria and Greece. 

“I think we will be able to build the Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector with European money. I have Šefčovič’s assurance, and that of all colleagues, that the interconnector will be financed by the European Commission”, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Friday, as reported on his website.

Saying that there is no official proof of the termination of the South Stream project, he reiterated Sofia’s interest to become a gas hub.

‘He pointed out that Bulgartransgas had finalized the procedure with Romania and would begin the building of a new interconnector with reverse flow capability and enhanced capacity of over 30 billion cubic meters.’

Borissov said that the country wants to be central for deliveries from Russia, and Azerbaijan. He added that the two interconnectors to Greece and Romania will be complementary measures, along with its gas deposits in the Black Sea and plans to expand the Chiren underground gas storage. 

Elaborating on the most thorny energy issue discussed by the European Council, he said that, unlike other countries in Europe, Bulgaria is ready to negotiate about European intention to control the negotiations with external suppliers.

“Found was that fine balance regarding energy contracts – not only gas, but also other energy sources. State contracts shall be reported to the European Commission, and contracts between private companies – up to the trade secret level,” the Prime Minister said.