site.btaBulgarian PM in Paris: Energy Infrastructure Is of Strategic Importance for EU's Competitiveness, Security

Energy infrastructure is of strategic importance for the EU, and its modernization and integration are among the top European priorities, Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said in Paris on Tuesday. He took part in the second Nuclear Energy Summit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, the Government Information Service reported. 

Gurov welcomed the EU's efforts on the matter while noting the importance of regional connectivity and energy corridors' development. According to him, cross-border interconnections, optimising the use of available resources and ensuring secure, flexible and sustainable electricity flows between Member States are essential for a well-functioning European energy market. Gurov also said that the scale of the necessary investments in network infrastructure requires a comprehensive and long-term approach to financing.

During the meeting, he emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear energy, its role in ensuring a stable and affordable electricity supply, and in achieving climate neutrality. He noted the consistent steps taken by Bulgaria to build new nuclear power plants. Bulgaria's goal is to be among the first in Europe to build and commission AP1000 reactors, in full compliance with international safety standards and best practices in nuclear energy development. Bulgaria is also considering small modular reactors as a complementary technology to its existing nuclear power plants and is actively exploring opportunities for their implementation.

At the Nuclear Energy Summit, the Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister was welcomed by Emmanuel Macron and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, the Government Information Service said. On the sidelines of the forum, Gurov also spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Slovenian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.