site.btaMinister of Energy, Greek Ambassador Discuss Energy Connectivity

The Bulgarian government is working hard to strengthen energy connectivity in the region. The development of projects along this line is of key importance both for security of supply and for the competitiveness of the economy. This opinion was voiced by Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov during his meeting with Alexios Liberopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to Bulgaria, the Energy Ministry said.

The Vertical Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects with an essential role for the security and diversification of gas supplies for the region, Minister Stankov pointed out and stressed that Bulgaria is among the first countries that will start real actions on the construction of the project. 

During the talks, which were also attended by Deputy Energy Minister Georgi Samandov, the belief that political stability is key to economic growth was shared. The fact that Bulgaria currently has a regular government after years of instability is a leading prerequisite for the success of the reforms being implemented, Minister Stankov pointed out.

The officials highlighted the existing strong strategic cooperation in the field of energy, the deepening of which in the future could play a key role in ensuring energy security for the whole region. Noting the similar views of the two countries, Minister Stankov and Ambassador Liberopoulos underlined the importance of a united voice at European level in support of positions important for the countries. Among them - the need for common coordinated action to overcome the challenges related to energy price volatility. The development of network connectivity is essential in this process, according to the two interlocutors.

Minister Stankov assured the Greek diplomat that the Bulgarian government is making serious efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the water supply from the Arda River for the agricultural areas in northern Greece after the agreement between the two countries of July 9, 1964, expired, the Energy Ministry added.

On February 13, the Prime Minister, ministers and representatives of institutions were heard in Parliament about the regulated water supply from the Arda River to Greece. After the reparation agreement on water supply between Greece and Bulgaria from 1964 expired in the middle of last year, the National Electricity Company (NEC) signed a temporary commercial agreement for the continuation of water supply to Greece with a deadline of September 30, 2024.