site.btaEnergy Minister, German Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Energy Agenda

Caretaker Minister of Energy Traicho Traikov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Bulgaria Irene Maria Plank to discuss key issues on the bilateral energy agenda and the current geopolitical situation, the Ministry of Energy press service reported on Sunday.

Against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East, Traikov outlined the measures taken by the government to curb fuel price pressures. He noted that targeted support has been activated for vulnerable households with incomes up to twice the poverty line, with the aim of achieving maximum social impact through the effective use of public resources. Plank described the approach as adequate and balanced and emphasized the importance of targeted interventions in times of economic uncertainty.

As part of its efforts to curb inflation, the government has also announced an additional package of measures related to electricity prices. Priority support will be given to sectors highly sensitive to energy costs, including transportation and logistics, agriculture, and the food industry. The total value of the package is approximately EUR 100 million.

The role of energy interconnectivity was highlighted as a key factor for the resilience of energy systems in the region and across Europe. The Vertical Gas Corridor project was discussed, which aims to diversify supplies and enhance energy security, including for countries such as Ukraine and Moldova.

Another key topic was the extension of the derogation for Lukoil’s four subsidiaries in Bulgaria. "Bulgaria has grounds to expect an extension of the derogation, which expires on April 29," Traikov stated, emphasizing that a timely decision is essential for market predictability and stability.

The future of the Maritsa East coal mines in the context of the energy transition was also on the agenda. The Minister cited the German region of Lusatia as an example of the transformation of a coal-mining area through a combination of social, financial, and regulatory measures supported by the state and the European Union. He said that such an integrated approach could also be applied in Bulgaria, ensuring that the transition is economically viable and socially acceptable, while the Maritsa East coal mines retain their strategic importance for energy and national security.