Bulgaria Has Lowest Energy Security Rate in EU - NGO

Bulgaria is the poorest EU member state and the one plagued by the lowest rate of energy security, according to a report of local NGO Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD).

The CSD used data of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy for the 75 largest energy-consuming countries.

According to the survey, as cited by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, Bulgaria is the most vulnerable country due to energy poverty, dependence on a single source and route for oil and gas supplies, and the high energy intensity of the economy.

The CSD adds that the situation is worsened by the poor management and the predominance of private interests of local and foreign players and public interests in the energy sector.

According to the analysts, the problem is easiest to spot in the case of big energy projects like the Belene Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the Tsankov Kamak Hydroelectric Power Plant, the South Stream gas pipeline and the new capacity at the Kozloduy NPP.

The CSD says that the situation is made even worse by the deteriorating financial condition of the National Electric Company (NEK).

The NGO concludes by recommending annual reviews of the energy policy and security, as well as the influence of foreign interests in the sector.

The CSD argued that the Parliament should withdraw the political appointees at the helm of the state-owned companies in the energy sector in a bid to ensure transparency in corporate decision-making.

The NGO recommends developing the administrative capacity of the State Commission for Energy and Water Commission (DKEVR).

Meanwhile, according to data of the European Parliament, Bulgaria's energy dependence is below the EU average, at 20-40%, the main reason for that...