site.btaPrime Minister Kiril Petkov in Kathimerini Interview: Bulgaria, Greece Explore Future Cooperation in Nuclear Energy

Athens and Sofia are stepping up bilateral co-operation to overcome dependence on Russian natural gas, according to an interview with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov for the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Bulgaria, which could supply energy to Greece too, Petkov stresses that Bulgaria is already exploring potential suppliers and is starting a feasibility study so that it comes up with a proposal within 12 months. Petkov explains why Bulgaria would not join a potential EU-imposed embargo on Gazprom, he responds categorically to Moscow's call for NATO withdrawal from Bulgaria, and stresses that close ties between Bulgaria and Russia have nothing to do with "authoritarian Putin".

The full text of the interview follows:

Q: What do you think about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how does it affect the traditionally close relations between Bulgaria and Russia?

A: This is an aggressive military act against a neighbouring country. The statistics terrify me: more than 700 civilians, 50 children and up to 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives. I also mourn the 11,000 Russian soldiers who died because of Putin's actions, which are devoid of logic. All these people are dying on the altar of the imperial desires of a totalitarian leader who has gone too far. That is why I am particularly pleased that all of us in Europe are speaking with one voice and saying that this cannot go unpunished. At least from an economic point of view, we have taken strong measures. Unfortunately, it is difficult to take military action because it would lead to a world war.

Q: How does Bulgaria contribute to Western support for Ukraine?

A: We are sending humanitarian aid and opening our borders to refugees: there are already over 17,000 in Bulgaria. We have consistently voted on all the restrictive measures applied by the EU. We support our NATO partners in the framework of the Alliance's military presence in Eastern Europe. Indeed, Bulgaria has close ties with the people and culture of Russia. However, we separate this from today's authoritarian regime in Russia, the Putin regime. And it should be noted that this is a fratricidal war, one Slavic people against another.

Q: Moscow recently asked NATO to withdraw from Bulgaria and Romania. How would you comment on that?

A: I am categorically against it. I don't like anyone telling us what we should and shouldn't do. We are an independent state and we make our own choices. And I don't think there can be two categories of countries in NATO, countries with armies and countries without armies. This is a provocation from Moscow. Such a perspective is absolutely unrealistic.

Q: You recently stressed that your country would like to be excluded from an EU decision on an embargo on Russian natural gas imports. What are your arguments and how likely do you think this scenario is?

A: It's not just us. Many European countries are taking firm action against Russia, and at the same time even countries like Germany or Austria could not completely give up Russian gas, on which they are particularly dependent. This is the truth. Over 80 per cent of our energy comes from Russia. Therefore, an embargo would essentially close our economy.

Q: You are about to negotiate with Gazprom, because the contract for the supply of natural gas in Bulgaria expires in 2022. At the same time, there is a discussion about how Greece could contribute to the provision of energy for Bulgaria. How do these two things combine?

A: Following recent developments, we need greater diversification of energy sources. In addition, we are cooperating very closely with the Prime Minister of Greece. The goal is to strengthen the energy connectivity of our countries through the IGΒ gas pipeline, so that Bulgaria can have access to natural gas from Azerbaijan, as well as to the reserves of liquefied natural gas in Alexandroupolis. These are two options that we are interested in developing as quickly as possible in order to have alternatives.

Q: Athens and Sofia are discussing the prospect of a bilateral agreement on the supply of nuclear energy from Bulgaria to Greece. What is this consultation about?

A: You need cheaper electricity. We have nuclear energy, and you don't. By combining these two things, we can work together as good neighbours and build long-term relationships by constructing a mutually beneficial nuclear power plant as a vital alternative to address the energy deficit in our region. We are considering potential suppliers and conducting a rapid study of feasibility. Immediately after that we will come up with concrete proposals to Greece. I want to believe that within 12 months we will have a clear picture.

Q: Your country has objections to the accession of North Macedonia to the EU. What is your approach?

A: We support the European perspective of North Macedonia and Albania. But there are certain issues that need to be settled first, such as respecting the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia by providing guarantees within the constitution. We have a roadmap and very good communication with the government of North Macedonia, and we hope to make rapid progress.