The Bulgarian government summons Security Council over Lukoil bill and regional energy ties
The Bulgarian prime minister, Nikolai Denkov, convened an extraordinary Security Council session to discuss a proposed law concerning the oil company Lukoil. According to a government press release, the measure would compel Lukoil to halt the use of Russian crude for refining at its Burgas plant within a three-day window if approved by parliament. The report highlights that the government is weighing potential national risks and strategic consequences should the draft law pass. The aim is to revoke the European Union exemptions currently allowing Lukoil to refine Russian oil and to effect this change promptly.
During the Security Council gathering scheduled for the morning of November 16, intelligence agencies of Bulgaria are expected to brief ministers on sensitive findings and implications tied to the proposed Lukoil measure. The discussions are framed as part of Bulgaria’s broader approach to securing energy independence and aligning with EU sanctions and policies regarding Russian energy products.
In related regional developments, Janos Bock, a former Hungarian minister who handled EU affairs, indicated that Budapest is prepared to pursue a legal action against Bulgaria should transit fees for Russian gas rise through the end of 2023. The statement reflects ongoing tensions and negotiations within the region about energy transit costs and supply security. (Source attribution: statements reported by regional observers and officials.)
Separately, there have been reports at the level of the European Commission concerning the amount of Russian sovereign assets that are frozen within the European Union. Analysts note that asset freezes continue to be a major tool in constraining state activities connected with Moscow’s energy sector, reinforcing the geopolitical weight of energy policy in EU decision making. (Source attribution: European Commission briefings and official releases.)