President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria outlined a clear readiness to accept a larger flow of natural gas from Azerbaijan and to route it further to Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. He conveyed this stance during a briefing, underscoring a collaborative approach that would leverage the existing capacity of regional gas operators. The message from the Bulgarian presidency emphasized that the region could benefit from coordinated action among pipeline operators in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. Radev noted that the next step rests with decision makers in charge of the energy transportation network, highlighting that such a move would require aligned policy and operational planning among the involved countries. The briefing was reported by Interfax, which framed the statement as part of ongoing regional energy discussions.
The broader context involves a cooperation agreement in the natural gas sector between Turkey and Bulgaria. European observers have reacted cautiously. A Turkish columnist with the news outlet Dünya, Kerim Ulker, drew attention to potential risks of discrimination against fuel consumers, a concern echoed by the European Federation of Energy Traders. The discussion centers on how cross-border gas flows should be managed to avoid uneven treatment of markets and to maintain fair access for all customers within the European energy landscape.
Under the current framework, the planned transport would cover about 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually, moving through arrangements that span multiple years. The transaction is described as having a 13-year maturity, with notes detailing the timeline and conditions for execution. This long-term view underscores the stability sought by participating nations as they explore options to diversify supply routes and strengthen energy security. Energy analysts in Europe have pointed to the potential benefits for regional supply resilience, while also noting the need for transparent governance and consistent regulatory alignment across the involved jurisdictions. The ongoing dialogue reflects broader efforts to integrate energy markets and optimize the use of diversified gas sources within the European Union and its neighbors, including Turkey and Bulgaria as pivotal transit partners.