site.btaBulgaria and Slovakia Discuss Energy Cooperation Memorandum

A future memorandum of understanding on energy, focusing on nuclear power, natural gas supplies and renewable energy sources, was a central topic at a meeting between Bulgarian Energy Minister Iva Petrova and Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova. The meeting was also attended by Svilena Nikolova, a member of the Board of Directors of Bulgaria's Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, Miroslav Damyanov, a member of the Board of Directors of Kozloduy NPP - New Build, and representatives of the Bulgarian Energy Ministry, the ministry's press office said on Wednesday.

The discussion was held in the Czech capital Prague on the sidelines of the 19th European Nuclear Energy Forum. The Bulgaria-Slovakia meeting focused on prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy. Opportunities to exchange practical experience in building new capacity were considered, along with issues related to nuclear fuel diversification and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

The two countries, which are actively involved in the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative, also discussed the potential for developing commercial cooperation between Bulgargaz and Slovak company SPP in the context of access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, natural gas storage and cross-border supply routes.

Minister Petrova said Bulgaria and Slovakia have accumulated energy expertise and share similar strategic priorities. "Our close cooperation has tangible practical value for ensuring energy security in Central and Southeastern Europe, achieving climate targets smoothly and addressing high energy prices in the EU," she said.

The news about the planned memorandum of understanding between Bulgaria and Slovakia comes just over a month after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico paid an official visit to Sofia. During that visit, he and Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev held a one-to-one meeting to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and issues on the European and global agenda. Following the meeting, the Council of Ministers said the two countries were deepening cooperation in energy, defence and high technology.