Bulgaria has a real chance to set the rules of European energy policy. This was stated by the MEP from the BSP Tsvetelina Penkova in an interview with BNT, emphasizing that our country can turn its geographical location and energy mix into a strategic advantage.
Regarding the caretaker cabinet, Penkova was categorical that the responsibility for its composition is clearly defined. “In this situation, this is Gyurov's cabinet. He bears the responsibility for the choice of the people he trusts“, she said and emphasized that after the constitutional changes, the president should not be involved in political speculation. According to her, the main task before the caretaker government is to guarantee a fair and peaceful election process. “It is expected that there will be sufficient confidence among Bulgarian citizens that they can exercise their right to vote and that it will be protected“, Penkova pointed out. She added that the state cannot stop functioning within the two months until the elections and a high degree of expertise is needed on the part of the caretaker ministers in the relevant departments.
Regarding the internal party situation and the sociological forecasts, Penkova expressed confidence in the BSP. “I do not believe that it is a realistic scenario for the BSP not to enter the next parliament. The campaign is just beginning and we will still clearly state our priorities“, the MEP emphasized. Penkova gave categorical support to the new leader of the party, Krum Zarkov. “I would give credit to his trust, as Krum Zarkov is a proven professional with a high level of morality and very strong expertise. He has always enjoyed great trust from the socialists“, she said and defined his election as a request for a long-term vision and stability.
A significant emphasis in the conversation was the new role of the Bulgarian MEP as the main negotiator on behalf of the European Parliament on the Regulation on the trans-European energy infrastructure. In her words, this is “a serious attestation for Bulgaria“ and an opportunity for our country to actively participate in determining investments in the European electricity transmission network. Penkova explained that the high electricity prices in Bulgaria are not due to a lack of production, but to insufficient connectivity. “In our part of Europe, prices are about ten times higher than those in Northern Europe. The problem is not in the energy mix, but in the lack of infrastructure and throughput“, she pointed out. Using a figurative comparison, the MEP explained the situation as follows: “Imagine a highway with constant traffic jams. Travel becomes slower, more expensive and less efficient. The same happens with electricity when there are not enough connections between countries.“
According to her, the new European regulation will change the approach - funds will be directed towards solving specific systemic problems, and not just to individual projects. This means more investment in Eastern and Southern Europe and a real chance for lower electricity prices in the medium term.
Penkova stressed that Bulgaria has a strategic advantage thanks to its nuclear energy. “Without baseload energy there is no stable system. Nuclear energy gives us security and predictability“, she said. For the first time, the new seven-year EU budget has earmarked funds for the construction of new nuclear capacities – a precedent that, according to her, clearly shows a change in the focus of European policy.
On the topic of energy independence, Penkova called for a realistic approach. “We can talk about autonomy and security, but if Europe lacks certain natural resources, they have to be imported from somewhere. Balance is key“, she pointed out.
In conclusion, the MEP was categorical that our country must seize the moment. „Now we have the opportunity not only to participate in European processes, but to determine the rules for the European electricity grid. This is a chance that Bulgaria should not miss“, said Tsvetelina Penkova.
