The survival and development of the European economy, which is threatened by deindustrialisation and loss of competitiveness, depends on overcoming the energy crisis. This is what head of State Rumen Radev told the media in Prague. The President is in the Czech Republic, where he is representing this country at the first summit in the European Political Community (EPC) format.
Radev was welcomed by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at Prague Castle and participated in the plenary session co-chaired by European Council President Charles Michel and the Prime Minister of the rotating Czech presidency. The President also took part in the thematic round table on energy security, climate change and economic cooperation. He praised French President Macron's initiative and noted its added value as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, coordination, and search for common mechanisms and solutions.
In his words, overcoming the energy and economic crisis, tackling the migration pressure, and mitigating the risks stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine require concerted efforts not only of the EU member states, but also of all the countries of the Old Continent and the enlarged European space.
The head of State stressed that it is extremely important that the EU's partner countries, such as Norway and Azerbaijan, which are suppliers of energy resources, be actively involved in the work of the forum. The EPC is a great basis for us to further work on our energy, transport and digital connectivity and Bulgaria should take even better advantage of its geographical position as a country connecting Asia and Africa with Europe so as to consolidate our position in the region, Radev further stressed.
Bulgaria's growing role as a gas-carrying country after the launching of the interconnector with Greece was highlighted by the President. Radev also pointed out that his discussions today with the HoSG of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Azerbaijan, Greece and Turkey focused on the proposal of the gas transmission system operators of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia to transport additional quantities of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe without waiting for the construction of new pipelines.
Regarding Radev's meetings on the side-lines of the forum, the head of State highlighted his session with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the Dutch position on Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area.
Turkey is an important partner, neighbour and ally in the energy sector, as well as in the fight against migratory pressure, the President said after his talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. At a time of such a severe energy crisis, it is important to develop our relations in the energy sphere, because so far the only secure gas, sealed with a clear long-term contract, is gas from Azerbaijan, which passes through Turkey's gas transmission system, Radev said, noting Turkey's significant role in securing tanker slots at its LNG terminals as well.
Responding to a question, the head of State pointed out that under this country's agreement with the United States for the delivery of 8+8 fighter jets for the Bulgarian Air Force, Bulgaria could have an operationally ready squadron by 2030 and until then temporary solutions are being sought to avoid losing defence capabilities.