The EU Commission has explained why an infringement procedure is under way only against Bulgaria when other EU states are also involved in the South Stream project.

"We started [this infringement procedure against Bulgaria] because the execution of [construction] activities is currently being assigned there, work is just about to begin and it was urgent that we react," EU Commission Spokesman Antoine Colombani was quoted by public broadcaster BNR as saying.

Colombani added that the Commission also found out issues in other countries which take part in the South Stream project and have carried out activities that do not comply with European legislation.

"We are expecting of [other countries involved] to conform their public procurement with European norms and if necessary, we will take action against other states as well."

Starting from Russia, the South Stream enters the EU via Bulgarian soil and continues to Austria through Serbia, Slovenia and Hungary. It is also to have a "Greek" ramification which could make its way into Italy through the bottom of the Adriatic sea.

Over the past days Bulgaria is being put under pressure by the EU Commission to freeze activities around the South Stream gas pipeline project until it meets EU requirements.

An infringement procedure against Sofia was announced on Monday evening on the grounds of non-compliance with the European legal framework and also with public procurement and competition norms.

Earlier this spring, the Commission also criticized Bulgaria for putting through in Parliament amendments allowing for the offshore section of South Stream to be perceived as part of the gas interconnection grid. Such changes, if finally approved, would prevent third-party access to the pipeline and would contravene the EU's Third Energy Package aimed at liberalization.

Economy Minister Dragomir Stoynev said Tuesday the infringement procedure was no different to other similar moves in the past, and the ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) declared it would stick to its commitments under South Stream deals with Russia.

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