Bulgaria is one of the most intensely interested EU countries in guaranteeing the security of energy supplies and achieving energy diversification, according to Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

Speaking Monday at the opening of the first meeting of the high-level group on the construction of gas grid interconnections in Central and Eastern Europe, Borisov underscored that the Bulgarian government was actively involved in the implementation of key projects that would allow the country to have access to secure gas supplies at competitive prices.

The meeting of the high-level group in Sofia was initiated by the Bulgarian Prime Minister, according to the press office of the government.

Addressing the participants in the meeting, Borisov noted that Bulgaria’s goals complied with those of the EU Energy Union.

“In the winter of 2008 Bulgaria was the country hardest hit by Russia’s decision to cut gas deliveries to Europe via Ukraine. Bulgaria has been determined since then to prevent such a risk from occurring. Bulgaria’s government gives priority treatment to the construction of gas grid interconnections to the neighboring countries of Greece, Romania, Turkey, and Serbia, as well as the development of Bulgarian gas fields in the Black Sea shelf,” he declared.

Borisov pointed out that all projects had to be compliant with EU law as that would guarantee competitiveness, low prices for end-consumers, and security of supply.

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister also noted that the country had the potential to become a gas distribution center for Southeastern Europe and the EU thanks to its location.

“Bulgaria has a well-designed national gas transmission grid, a gas depot, and domestic oil and gas fields, which are being developed. These are just some of the advantages and opportunities that our country offers,” Borisov emphasized.

“I can assure you that the Bulgarian government, in partnership with the governments of neighboring countries and with the support of the European Commission, is determined to work for the full integration of the gas market in Central and Southeastern Europe. We see this as a step towards laying the foundations of the EU Energy Union,” he stated.

Monday’s meeting in Sofia brings together European Commission Vice President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic, EU Climate & Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Ca?ete, representatives of Central and South Eastern European countries, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, and Bulgarian Deputy Energy Minister Anton Pavlov.