Extended search
Wrap-up

Bulgaria’s Energy Future in Focus at National Conference Compass 2025

Bulgaria’s Energy Future in Focus at National Conference Compass 2025
Bulgaria’s Energy Future in Focus at National Conference Compass 2025
The Compass 2025 conference convened key figures in Sofia to discuss the country’s energy sector challenges and opportunities. The forum was organized by the Institute for Strategies and Analyses, Sofia, September 30, 2025 (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)
Sofia,  
30.09.2025 18:30
 (BTA)

Тhe National Conference Compass 2025 convened key figures in Sofia Tuesday to discuss the country’s energy sector challenges and opportunities. The forum, organized by the Institute for Strategies and Analyses, highlighted the need for long-term strategic planning, investment, and energy security amid geopolitical and economic shifts.

The discussions covered the full spectrum of modern energy—from the renovation and digitalization of the transmission and distribution networks, through the implementation of new renewable energy and storage technologies, to the strategic role of nuclear energy and gas infrastructure in ensuring the country’s security and competitiveness. Topics also included regional energy connectivity, aligning national priorities with European policies, and attracting strategic investors for key projects.

As he opened the forum, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that energy is no longer just a resource but the new currency of global politics. He addressed a contentious gas interconnection agreement between Bulgargaz and Turkey’s BOTAS, signed in early 2023. He questioned whether short-term governments should make binding long-term decisions, especially given the potential financial burden—estimated at around BGN 6 billion—and ongoing political polarization surrounding the deal. Zhelyazkov called for a depoliticized, expert-driven approach focused on protecting the state’s interests throughout the contract’s lifecycle and ensuring sustainable energy policy beyond immediate political cycles.  

Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova emphasized the promising prospects for Bulgaria’s energy sector linked to the country’s upcoming eurozone membership. She highlighted the benefits of economic and price stability, improved access to European markets, and favorable financing conditions. Petkova underscored the government’s commitment to investing in energy infrastructure, citing the recent capital increase in Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) and substantial state guarantees covering major projects like the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant expansions and gas corridor development. She cautioned, however, against entering energy contracts without sound economic justification, pointing to the BOTAS agreement’s questionable rationale and its impact on state debts.

Vice President Iliana Iotova framed Bulgaria’s energy future within a broader geopolitical and security context, urging the country to assert itself as an influential player in regional and European energy architecture rather than a peripheral actor. She stressed the importance of flexible energy strategies that align with Europe’s green transition, noting nuclear energy’s renewed role as a clean energy source and the critical need for stable electricity supply to support technological advancement, including upcoming AI industry demands. Iotova called for a clear national energy mix and parliamentary-approved strategy, highlighting the Kozloduy plant’s expansion as a pivotal industrial project and advocating for a professional reassessment of the long-delayed Belene Nuclear Power Plant equipment to unlock regional employment and energy security benefits.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nikolay Pavlov emphasized that energy diplomacy has become a critical pillar of Bulgaria’s foreign policy and national security. He noted that in today’s geopolitical context, energy is no longer just an economic issue—it is a strategic tool shaping international relations, national prosperity, and security. With growing regional and global challenges, Bulgaria must not act as an isolated energy island but as an active contributor to both European and regional energy security. "The war in Ukraine has underscored the need for resilient energy systems, flexible supply chains, and deeper partnerships with allies. Bulgaria’s energy diplomacy is now focused on securing critical infrastructure, integrating into EU energy policy, and ensuring a sustainable and diversified energy future," he said.

/NF/

Additional

news.modal.image.header

news.modal.image.text

news.modal.download.header

news.modal.download.text

news.modal.header

news.modal.text

By 01:25 on 04.10.2025 Today`s news

This website uses cookies. By accepting cookies you can enjoy a better experience while browsing pages.

Accept More information