The vertical gas corridor is of utmost importance not only for Bulgaria, but also for the whole of Europe, and will eliminate dependence on Russian gas supplies. The member states have committed to eliminating dependence on Russia. The project is important for Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. This was stated to BNT by Martin Vladimirov from the Center for the Study of Democracy.
„We are worried if there is no decision at the European level to eliminate Russian dependence, Russian gas disguised as Turkish or Azerbaijani gas can be transported through this project“, he emphasized, however.
In his words, „Bulgartransgaz“ will have higher revenues than at present, in the medium term. The terms of this transit may be more advantageous than those of the Russian one.
„It is important to note that European Commissioner Jorgensen is convinced that Europe must break its dependence on Russia. The sanctions against „Lukoil“ imposed by the US will probably be followed by European reciprocal sanctions“, Vladimirov believes.
According to him, the best solution would be for Bulgaria to request a single appointment from the US to appoint a special representative and begin control over the sale of assets: „This is not nationalization. When a company is under US sanctions, it is difficult to find a buyer. Therefore, it is risky for Bulgaria, and other countries where “Lukoil“ has assets, to allow the company to unilaterally transfer the shares to a third party, since they will not have control over this process.“
He is categorical that if the EU imposes sanctions on “Lukoil“, then it will immediately stop the refinery's operation: “If the state does not take measures in the next two weeks, we are entering the Serbian scenario - the refinery will stop operating. There will be no energy crisis.“