site.btaGERB Leader Borissov Meets with Hungarian Prime Minister Orban

GERB-UDF leader Boyko Borissov met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Sofia on Friday. The beginning of the meeting and the comments after it were streamed on Facebook. 

Borissov thanked Orban for the assistance of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU for Bulgaria's full membership in Schengen, as well as that of EC President Ursula von der Leyen.

Gas supplies via Balkan Stream against the backdrop of sanctions against Russia, as well as Orban's opinion on expanding EU sanctions against Russia, were among the topics discussed.

Borissov pointed out that Bulgaria, as well as Serbia, Hungary and North Macedonia, only benefit from Balkan Steam. He called the project, which many tried to hinder, "the pipe of friendship". He also noted that 9 billion cubic metres of gas pass through the pipeline, with Bulgaria only needing 3 billion cubic metres, and that the transit fees will benefit Bulgarians. 

In turn, Orban stressed that he was glad that the situation in Bulgaria was developing in a reliable, promising direction. He also noted the his good relations with Borissov for many years, and expressed hope that he would be able to stabilize the situation in the country, which will be good for both the EU and Hungary.

Orban expressed satisfaction that Bulgaria had not succumbed to external or internal pressure to stop gas transit to Hungary. Approximately 7 billion cubic metres of gas pass from Bulgaria to Hungary, therefore this country has a key role in the energy security of Hungary, Viktor Orban pointed out.

On the matter of extension of sanctions against Russia, Orban said that the EU is still discussing the issue and must make a decision by the end of January next year. Orban stressed that the decision must be made by all 27 EU member states. He advised strategic patience.