/ world today news/ “South Stream” can bypass Bulgaria, writes the Russian publication “Money Journal”. The reason for this is the refusal of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who stated that the requests for payment of material compensations due to the suspended construction of the Belene NPP ” are baseless and even treasonous.
Bulgaria’s refusal to build the Belene NPP was argued with the insufficient amount of investors. However, analysts suggest that this course of events was caused by the pressure of the West, which does not want to see Bulgaria more dependent on Russia in terms of energy.
Borisov warned that if Russia continues to act in this direction in the future, problems will arise with the construction project of the South Stream gas pipeline. Grigoriy Birg, one of the directors of Invescafe, described Bulgaria’s actions as blackmail. In theory, there is an option for “South Stream” to be routed through Romania, but Bulgaria’s participation in the project is more expedient.
It is from Bulgaria that gas supplies must be distributed in two directions. Birg reports that the route of “South Stream” has not yet been finally decided. There is an option that envisages a large-scale modernization of the Ukrainian gas transmission system, in which Russian interested companies will take the most active part.
#South #Stream #bypass #Bulgaria
Guest 1: Grigoriy Birg, Director at Invescafe
Q1: What do you think is the main reason behind Bulgaria’s refusal to participate in the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline as per the recent development?
Q2: How significant is the role of Bulgaria in the South Stream project, and would it be feasible for the project to bypass Bulgaria if necessary?
Q3: In your opinion, what are the potential consequences of Russia’s decision to divert the South Stream project away from Bulgaria?
Q4: Do you think the West’s pressure on Bulgaria to distance itself from Russia is the primary reason behind the country’s stance on the project?
Q5: How can the issue of the Belene NPP payment compensations be resolved, and can it impact the South Stream project?
Guest 2: Ivan Petrov, Energy Analyst
Q1: What are your thoughts on the arguments put forward by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov regarding the lack of investors for the Belene NPP?
Q2: Do you believe that Bulgaria’s withdrawal from the Belene NPP is genuinely due to financial concerns or is there a political motivation behind it?
Q3: How credible are the claims that Russian energy dependency is major concern for the European Union, and does it justify pressure on Bulgaria to reject the South Stream project?
Q4: How likely is it for the South Stream to be rerouted through Romania, and what would be the implications of such a decision?
Q5: Can the modernization of Ukraine’s gas transmission system be an alternative to the South Stream project, and would it benefit all parties involved?
