Bulgaria can become a key transit hub for Europe, Bulgarian MEP from the BSP Tsvetelina Penkova told BNT.
She is also the president of the European Energy Forum and commented on the suspension of Russian gas to Europe at the beginning of the year.
„Bulgaria is in a rather favorable strategic position in the growing energy crisis in Europe. Bulgaria can become a key transit hub for Europe“, said Bulgarian MEP from the BSP Tsvetelina Penkova.
From her words it became clear that in order for Bulgaria to become a key hub on the energy map of Europe in this situation, there are three main factors:
"First of all, this is long-termism and predictability. In second place - resources and human capital and in third place - infrastructure. Our country has these three components“, said the President of the European Energy Forum.
She also commented that the shutdown of Russian gas will certainly have serious consequences for Europe and pointed out that each country is looking for its own way to deal with the challenge, which is not the right strategic approach.
“Individually within the EU, it is more expensive to deal with these crises”, commented MEP Penkova.
“If we look at countries close to us - Moldova - 51,000 households were left without electricity. Currently, they have to buy gas from Romania at much higher prices, which affects consumers. In Slovakia, electricity prices for consumers increased by 12%, for industry by 18%. In Austria, the increase in the price of natural gas is over 20%,“ said the president of the European Energy Forum.
Penkova is not optimistic about what will happen to the Recovery Plan, as its deadlines are expiring.
The MEP stressed how important it is for our country to have a stable government.
"Our strategic partners expect stability, Bulgarian citizens expect low prices, peace of mind, and our industry expects predictability. All of these are prerequisites that only a regular government can provide," said Penkova.