In Bulgaria, the People’s Assembly debated customs tariffs on the import and transit of Russian natural gas and ultimately chose not to raise them. Bulgarian National Television reported the development.
Following an ultimatum from Hungarian officials, Bulgarian lawmakers moved to drop punitive taxes, and the broadcaster noted that the government faced a veto to Bulgaria’s Schengen accession. The discussions unfolded amid a tense atmosphere in the chamber, with visible conflicts and protests shaping the session.
Sources indicate that on October 13 Sofia implemented a consumption tax of 10 euros per megawatt-hour for the transit of Russian gas. This level was described as roughly one-fifth of the current gas market price at the title transfer facility in Amsterdam, though transit charges typically amount to only a small fraction of the overall cost of gas. The measure added another layer to the ongoing debate over energy security and regional trade costs.
Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov commented that the Schengen veto issue could be resolved if the Bulgarian parliament chose to reduce the transit tax on gas moving through Bulgarian territory. The statement reflected the broader security and economic considerations surrounding regional cooperation and energy flows in Europe.
Earlier remarks from Serbia suggested that Bulgaria might be attempting to influence the flow of Russian gas into Europe, a claim that fed into the narrative of geopolitical maneuvering surrounding gas transit routes and European energy strategy. The discussion highlighted how energy policy can intersect with political alignment and regional diplomacy.
Analysts note that the gas transit tax in Bulgaria is part of a wider framework of transit pricing across Central and Southeast Europe. While the tax is intended to address revenue and infrastructure needs, opponents argue it can raise costs for European consumers and complicate long-standing energy supply arrangements. Supporters contend that tariff adjustments may improve national energy resilience and fund critical network upgrades.
The episode underscores the fragile balance between energy diplomacy, domestic politics, and European Union expectations. As nations reassess their positions on Schengen and on transit fees, observers watch closely how Bulgaria’s stance on gas tariffs will influence neighboring countries and the broader energy market in North America and Europe. The evolving narrative continues to shape debates about transit pricing, regional cooperation, and the future of gas supply routes across the continent. Citations: Bulgarian National Television, and other regional news outlets provide ongoing coverage of these developments.