Bulgaria Rethinks Pro-Russian Energy Policy

Long one of Russia’s most reliable energy customers, Bulgaria is now reconsidering its dependence in favor of diversifying suppliers and investors

Bulgaria’s energy minister recently likened his country’s energy sector to the way English football used to be played

Finance Minister Simeon Dyankov recently said that until now Bulgaria’s energy landscape has been dominated by the “anything Russia wants” principle.

Until, that is, a new government, installed after July elections moved recently to freeze the country’s participation in three major projects dear to Moscow: a new nuclear plant in Belene, the South Stream gas corridor, and the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

Although the Kremlin has urged Sofia to make a decision as soon as possible, the government is taking its time. Some analysts say it is also searching for a way to loosen Moscow’s grip on its energy industry.

Business Week