Parliament adopted on Friday on first and second reading amendments to the legislation on control of the implementation of restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine. The changes were supported by GERB-UDF, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), while Vazrazhdane and BSP voted against, and There Is Such a People (TISP) did not participate in the vote.
The concessions awarded for carrying out activities at strategic sites of national security importance affecting oil and petroleum products made from crude oil originating in Russia or exported from Russia shall be terminated within one week, the MPs decided. The amendments effectively terminate Lukoil's concession for the port of Rosenets.
In 2011, a contract was signed with the joint-stock company Lukoil Neftohim Burgas for the concession of the port terminal Rosenets (part of the port for public transport of national importance - Burgas). The concession is for a period of 35 years.
Within two weeks of the termination of the concession, the Ministry of Transport and Communications will take over the operational management of the facility, the MPs also decided.
In the course of the debate, BSP for Bulgaria and Vazrazhdane expressed concerns about oil supplies after the concession is terminated, as well as worries that a lawsuit could be filed against Bulgaria. The ruling GERB-UDF and CC-DB, as well as the MRF pointed out that the termination of the concession was the result of a European regulation that had to be respected. Vazrazhdane announced that they would appeal to the Constitutional Court, as they did for the referendum on preserving the Bulgarian lev.
“On the grounds that we had only said we would propose changes between the two readings, without specifying them, they [GERB-UDF, CC-DB and MRF] decided they could vote on the bill in two readings in one sitting, the leader of Vazrazhdane said, adding that his party will refer the matter to the Constitutional Court.
The legislative revisions passed Friday were proposed by GERB-UDF, CC-DB and MRF earlier this week. President Rumen Radev called the idea ill-advised and rushed. Lukoil Neftochim Burgas said they would take the matter to court to protect their business reputation.
/RY/
news.modal.image.text
news.modal.download.text
news.modal.text
