Every six months, the topic of frozen Russian assets is reviewed. This is how the extent to which the goals have been achieved is assessed. In April, we will again request a derogation to postpone the implementation of sanctions against "Lukoil" in our country. All other scenarios based on assumptions are not on the government's agenda. We will respect the legal order, the investment environment and will try to minimize by all means the potential dangers of a possible arbitration dispute. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov from Tutrakan.
According to him, Rumen Spetsov has many years of experience as a control body, which will help him in taking the position of special manager. "The fuel market will remain calm. Their price is determined by the international price of oil. The Bulgarian market will function normally and smoothly, we guarantee that the refinery will continue to operate. The sanctions have a very clear goal - to end the war in Ukraine", he added.
According to him, it is good for institutions to work harmoniously, but unfortunately things do not work that way. "Everyone should act according to their powers in the Constitution. The President has the right to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court if he does not agree with the law on "Lukoil". We heard many comments; if we had listened to them, there would have been no derogation. The government calmly, professionally and quietly convinced the American administration that we would be able to comply with OFAC rules so that the war would not be financed by the refinery in Burgas. After 6 months, a new derogation can be requested", Zhelyazkov summarized.
Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister also commented on the derogation received on Friday. "We did the best we could for the refinery. We have shown that when we work effectively, as a team, with the support of the majority in parliament, the result is obvious", he believes.
The Prime Minister emphasized the intensive daily talks that have been held with partners from the United Kingdom and the United States since the first day of the sanctions. The goal is to ensure that no funds from the companies will flow in an unwanted direction. At the same time, it is important that the refinery continues to operate without hindrance, that its workers are calm about their work and that the Bulgarian market does not experience any difficulties. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov and Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov inspected the progress of the construction of Lot 3 “Rupcha-Vetrino“ of the Vertical Gas Corridor in the area of the “Hemus“ highway.
"There are many challenging days, weeks and months ahead for the refinery, Zhelyazkov emphasized. The Prime Minister pointed out that it is important to ensure timely delivery of oil, to have unhindered processes of processing and distribution. "I count on the special manager and the team that he will select, through the prerequisites provided for in the law, to bring the necessary reassurance", Zhelyazkov emphasized. The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the Russian Federation will listen to the voice of reason and cease fire. He was categorical that while the war continues in Ukraine, the sanctions from the European Union and the United States will continue to tighten the noose.
Regarding the progress in the construction of Lot 3 “Rupcha-Vetrino“ of the Vertical Gas Corridor, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov emphasized that our country is entering a new stage of energy development, as natural gas will now be transported in the South-North direction. “Bulgaria will ensure supplies through diversified and reliable routes, with the main focus being on liquefied natural gas from Greece and Greek terminals, intended primarily for Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary and Slovakia”, he said.
The Prime Minister was categorical that the government confirms its commitment to developing strategic infrastructure projects and promoting the country's energy independence. Rosen Zhelyazkov pointed out that the project is part of a broader geopolitical dynamic in which competition in energy markets is intensifying. He emphasized that diversification of sources and routes is a key tool for strengthening energy security, especially in the context of a global environment in which forms of competition can be both market and non-market. “Therefore, Bulgaria must participate with all its potential - its geopolitical location, its moderate foreign policy and, above all, the social peace in the country”, explained Zhelyazkov. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the normal functioning of institutions and society, as well as the active use of undeveloped national potentials. In this context, focus was placed on the rare metals and natural resources that our country has.
Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov said that the new route will provide Bulgaria with the opportunity to remain on the map as one of the key gas transporters in the region. He pointed out that this is a project of high energy diplomacy, which strengthens Bulgaria's partnerships and increases its role in the regional energy system. “On the one hand, this project gives us the opportunity to work with our partners. Here, in addition to Bulgarian companies and hundreds of qualified workers, high-tech companies from Germany and the USA are also participating. On the other hand, it is “Bulgartransgaz“ that will increase its revenues through increased transit”, the minister emphasized. He recalled that in the conditions of the current budget procedure, the energy sector remains one of the most stable financial pillars of the state, with increased investments and growing profits allowing for the payment of dividends to the state budget – funds that reach directly to Bulgarian citizens.
The Vertical Gas Corridor project is of strategic importance for the security and diversification of gas supplies in Central and Southeastern Europe. Currently, 58 km of the construction strip have been cleared along the route of Lot 3 Rupcha-Vetrino and 18 km of pipes have been laid. Key engineering intersections are ahead - under three rivers, the "Hemus" highway and the Stara Planina Mountains - which will be implemented through horizontal directional drilling - an innovative technology that ensures high precision and care for the environment. Construction activities on Bulgarian territory under Lot 1 "Kulata-Kresna" are making significant progress. The 48 km route has been completely cleared, the pipes have been laid along the entire length, welding works cover over 43 km, and the trench excavations made are 47 km. All 14 trenchless passages under roads and railways have been successfully completed, as well as three of the five planned horizontal drillings.