Bulgaria lost three major contracts in the sphere of energy in a bid to comply with all EU recommendations, according to Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

Speaking before a meeting of the EU Council on March 19, Borisov claimed that Bulgaria had not given up hopes to become a gas distribution hub for Europe, adding that the country would seek to be included in the discussion of the plans for the European Energy Union.

Deputy Prime Minister Meglena Kuneva announced at a General Affairs Council meeting on March 17 that Bulgaria would back the European Energy Union, provided that work on infrastructure and gas grid interconnections in Southeastern Europe was speeded up, according to reports of investor.bg.

Borisov, as cited by the press office of the Bulgarian government, made clear that the country would insist that its Black Sea exploration blocks Han Asparuh, Teres and Silistar be taken into account, as well as call for support for the construction of the new gas grid interconnection with Greece.

Borisov also said that Bulgaria had backed sanctions against Russia from the start despite the fact that the measure resulted in substantial losses, especially in the sphere of tourism.

Commenting on Greece, he declared that it was high time that the country started to observe the rules it was obliged to, provided that it wanted to be a member of the eurozone and Schengen, where Bulgaria had not yet been admitted.

He pointed out that Bulgaria was the country with the lowest budget deficit, adding that Bulgaria was going through difficulties in the attempt to fulfill requirements.