The Bulgarian government will establish an energy security council, which will coordinate the national policy in the energy sector and define the Bulgarian priorities within the framework of the European Energy Union.

The decision was taken at the regular meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, the government's press service informs.

The role of the council will be to monitor the implementation of integrated energy policy on providing affordable energy to consumers, modernisation and the completion of national energy infrastructure and reforms in the energy sector.

The council will be responsible for the effective coordination between different institutions, which are in charge of issues related to the energy security of the country.

The body will also monitor the energy policy and the issues related to the foreign policy priorities, including the participation of the country in infrastructure trans-border energy projects in Southeastern Europe.

The council will harmonise the positions of Bulgaria in the energy sphere and will aid the fulfillment of international commitments such as the chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev was selected as chairperson of the council, while Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova and Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov will be his deputies.

The council will convene once monthly at closed doors, with the option for holding emergency meetings at the request of its chairperson or deputies.