site.btaCaretaker Transport Minister Ismailov Calls for EU Crisis Support for Transport Operators

EU-wide anti-crisis measures are needed, including support for transport operators and safeguards for energy security and fuel supplies, caretaker Transport and Communications Minister Korman Ismailov says Tuesday. He was speaking at an informal EU meeting on the impact of the Middle East crisis on transport.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications press service said Ismailov took part in an informal videoconference meeting of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, devoted to the consequences of the crisis in the Middle East and national measures to reduce its negative effects.

“Because of its geographic proximity and its role as a transit hub between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria is facing serious logistical and economic challenges,” Ismailov said. He added that the transport sector was among the hardest hit by the Middle East crisis, which, because of its key role in the economy, had a strong effect on the prices of a range of goods and services.

“Since the start of the military conflict in the Gulf, fuel prices have jumped by more than 40% for diesel and more than 20% for petrol, an increase that has pushed many companies to the brink of survival. This is causing a chain rise in costs across the logistics system, creating a risk to jobs and threatening the normal functioning of supplies,” Ismailov said.

Common European measures were essential to prevent market distortions and a deepening of inequalities among member states.

Effective coordination at EU level had to include an agreed package of anti-crisis measures to be applied in all member states, as well as mechanisms for the rapid exchange of information and good practices. “Such an approach will help avoid fragmentation and provide greater predictability and stability for the EU transport sector,” Ismailov added.

Measures aimed at supply security and price stability were urgently needed. These included ensuring energy security and stock management, fiscal and economic relief, and improving logistical resilience.

“I believe that through joint efforts and solidarity within the EU, we will be able to turn these challenges into an opportunity to build a more modern and resilient European transport system,” Ismailov said.