Bulgaria is ready to start building the South Stream gas pipeline across its territory right now if the issue of compliance with the EU's Third Energy Package can be resolved, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said at talks with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
But the fate of the pipeline depends on Russia, he said. Borisov said Sofia had not yet received official notification from Moscow that the project was at an end.
He said he hoped for a solution to the issue soon, that Bulgaria had spent a lot on the project and that a lot of people were against suspending it.
Russia has abandoned its project to build the controversial South Stream gas pipeline gas pipeline linking Russia and Central Europe via the Black Sea, citing Bulgaria’s refusal to allow construction on its territory as a key factor.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision during a one-day visit to Turkey on Dec. 1.
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