Last week, the European Commission urged Bulgaria and other member states to re-negotiate their bilateral agreements with Russia for the South Stream gas pipeline.

The argument was that none of the deals complied with European Law.

Bulgaria opened its doors for the South Stream project in April 2012. How is it that it took over a year and a half for the Commission to analyze these agreements and make their recommendations?

At a time when European economies are stagnating, it seems ludicrous to stand in the way of a project, which promises to bring revenue and energy sufficiency.

It couldn't come at a more politically crucial time for the EU, however. Weeks after Ukraine refused to sign an Association Agreement, choosing to ally itself with Russia instead, the exchange of flares between Brussels and Moscow has been ongoing. It now seems as though sparks of it are falling on Bulgaria as well.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich made it clear that his country has not turned its back on EU integration, but the time for it was not the most favorable.

By selling austerity and hindering profitable deals, Brussels is not making the climate any more favorable.