Energy Summit Brings Sofia Traffic to Halt

The increased security measures and numerous closures of Sofia main thoroughfares over the Energy Summit have created mass traffic jams a day before the event’s official opening. Photo by BGNES

Even before its official opening, the energy summit has created mayhem all over downtown Sofia, where traffic is at a standstill.

The mass traffic jams are caused by the increased security measures and numerous closures of Sofia main thoroughfares, which are congested even on a regular day.

Most of Sofia city center is blocked off over the arrival of VIP guests for the two-day energy forum "Natural Gas for Europe," starting Friday and will remain cordoned during the days of the event with police and special task forces on patrol round- the-clock.

A protest, scheduled for Friday between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, at one of the busiest intersections in Sofia, "Orlov Most" is expected to add to the mayhem.

The rally under the motto "No to Bulgaria as Balkan Energy Center" is organized by the Association for Freedom of Speech "Anna Politkovskaya" and other civic organizations.