site.btaPM Discusses BOTAS, Electricity from Coal, Assistance to Ukraine, Migration

Bulgaria and Turkiye continue talks about whether to re-negotiate some of the provisions of the agreement between Bulgargaz and BOTAS, or whether to terminate the agreement altogether, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said in the National Assembly on Friday, replying to an MP's question.

Discussing the Maritsa East coal-fired power plants, the Prime Minister said Bulgaria is importing electricity because its people have been told the same lie for years, that they have to rely on electricity generated from coal, while neighbouring countries were developing other energy sources. Bulgaria should regain its status as an energy hub and adopt new technologies while making use of its connections with its neighbours, he said.

Denkov went on to discuss military assistance to Ukraine, more specifically, a September 2023 decision of the National Assembly to give Ukraine ammunition from the Interior Ministry reserves. He said he will coordinate the actions of the ministries to make sure that the decision is carried out.

Migration was another topic discussed by the Prime Minister. Tsveta Rangelova of Vazrazhdane wanted to know the exact number of illegal migrants sent to Bulgaria. Denkov said exact numbers cannot be given at oral questions time. As of Thursday, migrant accommodation centres are filled at 54% of their capacity, compared with 72% over a month ago, he said. The prime minister sees no risk of these facilities becoming overcrowded. He said any such warnings are mere fireworks.