Brussels takes over energy deals with third countries

The European Commission (EC) is considering a draft document, which would increase Brussels’ control over energy contracts of each EU member state, reported Reuters, which is in possession of the draft document. According to the proposal every EU member state would have to notify Brussels before engaging in negotiations on energy deals with governments outside the community. The EC will also have access to details of the draft contracts, Reuters added. These powers would only be executed if a deal has the potential to influence the entire energy market in the community. If the draft is approved, the EC would, for the first time, receive authority to negotiate on behalf of the national governments.

Currently the EU imports more than 60% of its natural gas and over 80% of the oil used. In order to avoid another gas crisis like the one  in the winter of 2009, the document focuses on the need to strengthen relationships with Russia and the Ukraine and help supplier countries from the Caspian region and the Middle East.

Bulgaria and the Czech Republic intend to increase their bilateral investments and boost cooperation in the energy field, announced the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism. These issues will be discussed during the sixth meeting of the Bulgarian-Czech Working Group for Economic Cooperation. The forum will be co-chaired by Deputy Economy Minister, Ivo Marinov, on the part of Bulgaria and the Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Tomas Hüner. Projects for natural gas storages in Bulgaria would be discussed. Currently, the Czech company MND - Moravske Naftove Doly is finalizing its analysis on the possibilities for expanding the only gas depository in Bulgaria, near Chiren. The Czech company CEZ owns the electricity grid in Western Bulgaria and the Varna thermoelectric power plant. The company is one of the top employers in our country and has made considerable investments in improving electricity supply.