29/04/2022 (Agence Europe) – On a trip to Brussels following Gazprom’s decision to cut off Russian gas supplies to his country, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev agreed with the European Commission on Thursday 28 April to set up a first regional task force in Sofia within the framework of the European Union’s joint energy procurement platform (see EUROPE 12929/10). This pilot task force “will look at gas and electricity needs, prices and flows, as well as infrastructure aspects”, the Commission announced in a statement. Its objective is to support and coordinate the implementation of joint preparedness plans in the region, including international procurement, storage and interconnections in order to contribute to the security of supply in Bulgaria, the region, within the ‘Energy Community’ and beyond. (DG)