European Commission on Bulgargaz: We will take action if there are violations

The European Commission confirmed today, October 20, that it has sent a letter to Bulgarian public supplier “Bulgargaz” in connection with its agreement with Turkish gas company Botas over suspected breaches of EU competition rules.

EC has sent questions to Bulgargaz about the deal with the gas company Botas

A spokesperson for the European Commission said today that if infringements were found, Brussels would not hesitate to take appropriate action.

"What we can confirm is that we have sent a letter asking for more information. The European Commission is following the case closely and we are in contact with the relevant authorities and relevant stakeholders. Our role is to ensure compliance with European standards for the regulation of the internal energy market. In case of indications of non-compliance, including possible breaches of European antitrust rules, the EC will not hesitate to take appropriate action," said Lea Zuber of the European Commission.

The Commission also said it was discussing with the Bulgarian authorities the introduction of a new levy on Russian gas transmission, which has caused discontent in some countries such as Serbia and Hungary.

"We are assessing and discussing with the Bulgarian authorities this recently introduced measure. I can add that the EU sanctions policy against Russia was created and adopted by the whole EU at the very beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Europe must remain united in its support for Ukraine," said Olof Gill of the European Commission.

The Hungarian government today again criticised "Bulgaria's sudden increase in gas transit fees" and described it as a hostile move that contradicts EU laws that protect Hungary's energy security. According to Budapest, Sofia is violating the principle of energy solidarity set out in EU treaties.

MEPs from Viktor Orban's ruling party FIDES have sent a letter to the European Commission stressing that Bulgaria's actions also undermine the right of countries to determine their energy mix. In their letter, they stress that they will defend Hungary's sovereignty against Bulgaria's hostile actions with or without the help of the European Commission.