The World Energy Summit under the motto “Natural Gas for Europe—Security and Partnership” and organized by the Bulgarian government, will be held in the capital Sofia on May 24 and 25. European Commission President Jose Barroso will give a speech at the forum. The forum will be attended by 10 heads of state among other top ranking officials from more than 30 natural gas-producing and supplying countries from Europe and the United States.
In an interview for the Bulgarian 24 Chasa daily newspaper, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov explained why he has sought the role for Bulgaria as player onthe world energy stage—because Bulgaria had started to lose its position as a strategic energy center, especially after the closing of the small reactors of the country’s nuclear power stations. This has led to diminishing the options for natural gas supplies and made the government take decisive measures.
Russian MP Vladimir Putin cancelled his participation in the summit at the last minute. Parvanov commented that this was due to disputes between Russia and Bulgaria on gas supplies.
The Russian daily Kommersant announced that Putin annulled his visit to Sofia in a protest against the Nabucco project, which envisions gas supplies coming from outside Russia and is backed by the European Union and the United States. According to the newspaper, this project could cause harm to Russia-EU relations.
Bulgarian foreign minister Ivailo Kalfin pointed out that another reason for Putin’s not attending the forum had to do with the South Stream project, which has not been yet finalized. The South Stream is a pipeline initiative which plans to transport Russian natural gas to Austria and Italy through the territories of Bulgaria.
In an interview for the Bulgarian 24 Chasa daily newspaper, Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov explained why he has sought the role for Bulgaria as player onthe world energy stage—because Bulgaria had started to lose its position as a strategic energy center, especially after the closing of the small reactors of the country’s nuclear power stations. This has led to diminishing the options for natural gas supplies and made the government take decisive measures.
Russian MP Vladimir Putin cancelled his participation in the summit at the last minute. Parvanov commented that this was due to disputes between Russia and Bulgaria on gas supplies.
The Russian daily Kommersant announced that Putin annulled his visit to Sofia in a protest against the Nabucco project, which envisions gas supplies coming from outside Russia and is backed by the European Union and the United States. According to the newspaper, this project could cause harm to Russia-EU relations.
Bulgarian foreign minister Ivailo Kalfin pointed out that another reason for Putin’s not attending the forum had to do with the South Stream project, which has not been yet finalized. The South Stream is a pipeline initiative which plans to transport Russian natural gas to Austria and Italy through the territories of Bulgaria.
