Bulgaria PM Orders South Stream Freeze until EU Green Light

Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski has ordered a suspension of all activities related to the South Stream gas pipeline project until Bulgaria reaches agreement with the EU on it.

Oresharski, as cited by Darik radio, announced the step in a Sunday interview after a meeting with three US senators visiting Bulgaria – John McCain, Chris Murphy, and Ron Johnson.

The participants in the meeting discussed Bulgaria-US relations in the spheres of economy and defense, as well as energy independence and the current situation in Ukraine.

Oresharski made clear that he had acquainted the US Senators with Bulgaria's recent efforts to achieve a diversification of gas supply sources and routes, adding that he had assured them that the country gave priority treatment to the Southern Gas Corridor.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister explained that he had told the US Senators that Bulgaria would only proceed with the South Stream gas pipeline after achieving compliance with the recommendations of the EU and specifying clear implementation terms.

Asked whether the companies participating in the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline would be imposed penalties, he said that the European Commission had made an inquiry and the course of the upcoming consultations with its representatives would determine the next steps.