Gazprom Allegedly Suggested Amendments to Bulgarian Law

The most recent amendments to Bulgaria's Energy Act were allegedly suggested by the Russian state company Gazprom. 

In addition, Bulgaria agreed not to require access for third parties to the South Stream pipeline. The project is allegedly investigated by Bulgaria's Interior Ministry and the State Agency for National Security (DANS).  

The claims are based on documents of the Ministry of Economy Energy, obtained by the Reformist Block under the provisions of the Access to Public Information Act. They reportedly include protocols, meeting reports, letters and contracts on South Stream from 2013-2014. 

The amendments, for which the EC harshly criticises Bulgaria, introduce the term “sea gas pipeline” and aim at circumventing EU regulations and the so-called Third Energy Package in favor of the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline. 

“The Reformist Block has serious doubts that the amendments to Bulgaria's Energy Act are drafted outside Bulgaria by Russian circles,” the Reformist Block said in a letter to the media. “It is clear that they are serving a private interest. Their goal is to sabotage the European rules by coming up with new categories of “sea pipe line” and to facilitate the establishing of total Russian energy monopoly.”

“The amendments, introducing the term “sea pipe line” and providing for exceptions to the current rules, tabled by MPs from the Bulgarian Socialist Party several months ago, are high treason. The ruling party deliberately allow a company of mostly foreign ownership to tale amendments to Bulgarian law.”

The Energy Ministry refused to comment.

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