The measures to address the energy crisis, which is increasingly deepening, are temporary. The real solution is not found either at "Dondukov", or in any parliament in Europe. It is in Brussels - in the heart of the European Union, in the European Commission and the European Parliament. This was stated by the chairman of the Strategic Institute for National Policies and Ideas Kaloyan Pargov in the program "Bulgaria, Europe and the World" on Radio FOCUS.
"Will governments provide subsidies, reduce VAT, as is done in North Macedonia, introduce restrictions, as in Slovenia, or give recommendations for energy saving - all of these are temporary measures", he emphasized.
According to him, an important step has already been taken in Brussels by recognizing a strategic mistake - limiting the development of nuclear energy in Europe. "This is a mistake that will cost Germany dearly," Pargov pointed out.
He considered the decision to reduce the price of carbon quotas to be correct, noting that Europe has gone too far with its pursuit of the Green Deal, which has led to a decline in its competitiveness compared to other regions.
He also drew attention to coal-fired power plants. According to Pargov, Bulgaria has the potential to mitigate the consequences of the crisis if it has the necessary political will. "Electricity production from thermal power plants, especially with lower emission quotas, can make energy more accessible and cheaper", he noted.
As a strategic solution in the long term, he pointed to the construction of new nuclear capacities, including the Belene NPP project. He added that despite the sanctions against Russia, there are opportunities for the project to be implemented, pointing to interest from the French company "Framatome", which maintains good relations with "Rosatom".
"A change in strategy is necessary if we want to deal with the crisis. Even the available fuel reserves will not be enough for a long period," he warned.
Pargov criticized Europe's position towards Russia.
"Russia is currently one of the big winners from this crisis. If the conflict continues, its revenues could reach billions of dollars. Ukraine is raising the alarm that money will be poured into the front," he said.