Minister Traikov: geopolitical instability demands more coordinated EU efforts for infrastructure connectivity, secure supply and affordable prices for consumers
Caretaker Minister of Energy Traicho Traikov took part in the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Energy) Council Meeting of the Council of the EU in Brussels.
Geopolitics and Energy Prices
The ministers discussed the impact of the international situation on energy markets. A debate was held regarding the possible measures in relation to oil and natural gas price hikes since the beginning of military actions in Iran and the Middle East. Minister Traikov outlined the Bulgarian government’s measures for targeted assistance for vulnerable groups of consumers.
During the discussion about the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, Minister Traikov underscored the importance of coordinated actions at a European level for supply security and lowering price pressure.
"In the volatile geopolitical environment, it is important to accelerate gas supply diversification projects to ensure secure supply and more affordable prices for consumers. This is also key to strengthening the EU’s energy independence under the “REPowerEU” initiative, said the minister. He recalled that Bulgaria had already alerted the European Commission about the problem of high energy prices in 2024 and had again called for additional measures to limit price pressures in January 2026.
National Investments for Lower Energy Costs
A number of investments are already being implemented in our country, which are part of the Affordable Energy Action Plan and are financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, said Minister Traikov. These include projects to produce renewable energy for households’ own consumption, the modernisation of energy-efficient street lighting in municipalities, and the development of energy storage technologies and flexible capacities such as pumped-storage hydropower plants.
Investments for the expansion and modernisation of the electricity grid, as well as renewable heating and cooling programmes and the development of low-carbon hydrogen have also been approved.
Grid Upgrade - Condition for Lower Prices and More Investment
Within the political debate on the European network package, Minister Traikov stressed the need for faster licensing procedures for the construction and modernization of energy networks, as administrative delays often stop strategic investments. At the same time, infrastructure development must be consistent with environmental policies and spatial planning to ensure sustainable development, the minister said. Strengthening the cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova, as part of efforts to make Europe’s energy systems more resilient, was also discussed in the meeting.
Before the start of the Council, Minister Traikov took part in a ministerial meeting of the Nuclear Alliance, which discussed the role of nuclear energy for energy security and for EU’s competitiveness.
