For months, Bulgaria has had a historic chance, but is about to waste it.
Times are dramatic, and we're navel-gazing. Public attention is occupied with LGBT propaganda and the crisis in the DPS.
The problem with the nomination of the new Bulgarian European Commissioner and the lobbying of Brussels for his department is being pushed far in the corner.
Unfortunately, the political elite in Sofia could not read the signal with the election of the president of the European Energy Forum. One should not forget the fact that
Tsvetelina Penkova unanimously headed the largest energy organization in Brussels.
Thus, the Bulgarian MEP became the organization's first female president.
For the first time in the 20-year history of the European Energy Forum, a representative of the socialists will be at the helm. Tsvetelina Penkova accepted the post from the former Prime Minister of Poland and President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek.
He has been running the forum for the last 10 years.
Thus, a signal was sent from Brussels that Bulgaria could receive the key department "Energy". in Ursula von der Leyen's new commission.
Instead of taking advantage of the favorable situation and unofficially probing names for the new future European commissioner for the "Energy" department, the first official government of Dimitar Glavchev stated that he prefers a regular cabinet to do this.
We all know what happened and now we are faced with the choice in 24 hours to give two names - to a man and a woman and that's it.
Brussels to decide what department to invent for us instead of us asking for it.
Just to recall that the current EU energy commissioner is Kadri Simson, former minister of energy of Estonia. Previously, the post was in the hands of the Spaniard Miguel Canete (2015 – 2019), and between 2011 and 2015 the increasingly important branch in Brussels was headed by the German Gunter Oettinger.
All is not lost, but the Bulgarian political elite must understand that the portfolio for the Bulgarian European Commissioner is also important.
The delay of the Bulgarian candidacy for the European Commission is an emanation of the stalling political process in Sofia. The policy of starting from names and then looking for a suitable department is also wrong.
An advantage for Bulgaria for an energy commissioner is our geographical position. In addition, our country relies on nuclear energy, renewable energy and conventional capacities based on lignite coal. Last but not least, Bulgaria was one of the first countries in the EU to refuse Russian gas supplies.
In recent months, an agreement was concluded with "Westinghouse" for the supply of new nuclear fuel and new capacities at the "Kozloduy" NPP.
Bulgaria is among the largest producers of electricity in the Balkans and a traditional exporter.
Let's not forget that we have highly educated energy experts.
The only chance is for the leading politicians in Bulgaria to join hands to fight for a significant department such as energy as the final right.
There is a historic opportunity before Bulgaria and quick and adequate measures must be taken, not for party, but for national interests.
A European commissioner for energy will certainly bring benefits not only to Bulgaria, but also to the Balkans, and to the whole of Europe.