The Caretaker Minister of Energy Traycho Traykov participated in the regular meeting of the Council of the European Union “Transport, Telecommunications and Energy“, part “Energy“ in Brussels.
Geopolitics and energy prices
The ministers discussed the impact of the international situation on the energy markets. A debate was held on possible measures in connection with the increase in oil and natural gas prices, following the start of hostilities in Iran and the Middle East. Minister Traykov informed about the Bulgarian government's measures for targeted support to vulnerable groups of consumers.
During the discussion on the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, Minister Traykov stressed the importance of coordinated actions at the European level for security of supply and reduction of price pressure.
“In the unstable geopolitical situation, it is important to accelerate projects for diversification of gas supplies, which will guarantee secure supply and more affordable prices for consumers. This is also key to strengthening the EU's energy independence within the framework of the REPowerEU initiative“, said the Minister. He recalled that back in 2024, the European Commission had signaled the problem of high energy prices, and in January 2026, it again called for additional measures to limit price pressure.
National investments for lower energy costs
A number of investments are already being implemented in our country, which are part of the Affordable Energy Action Plan and are financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, said Minister Traykov. Among them are projects for the production of energy from renewable sources for household consumption, the modernization of energy-efficient street lighting in municipalities, as well as the development of energy storage technologies and flexible capacities such as hydroelectric and pumped storage plants.
Investments for the expansion and modernization of the electricity transmission network have also been approved, as well as programs for heating and cooling from renewable sources and the development of low-carbon hydrogen.
Modernization of networks - a condition for lower prices and more investments
Within the political debate on the European Networks Package, Minister Traykov stressed the need for faster permitting procedures for the construction and modernization of energy networks, as administrative delays often stop strategic investments. At the same time, the development of infrastructure must be coordinated with environmental policies and territorial planning in order to ensure sustainable development, the minister pointed out. The meeting also discussed strengthening cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova, as part of efforts to make energy systems in Europe more resilient.
Before the start of the Council, Minister Traykov took part in a meeting of ministers from the Nuclear Alliance, which discussed the role of nuclear energy in the energy security and competitiveness of the Union.