As part of the extraordinary meeting of the Energy Ministers of the Member States of the European Union on Monday 2 May, the Bulgarian delegation shared a framework memorandum, obtained by EUROPE, with the other delegations, calling for a review of the EU’s solidarity mechanisms after Russia’s decision to suspend gas deliveries to Bulgaria because of its refusal to pay in roubles.
In particular, the document points out that the existing solidarity mechanisms between Member States for gas supply - enshrined mainly in EU Regulation 2017/1938 - “provide for compensation (mainly) based on the latest available (spot) market prices in case a Member State triggers such mechanisms”.
However, the cessation of Russian deliveries is being compensated for by the use of other sources - notably gas supplies from neighbouring Member States (see EUROPE 12940/1) - “at a much higher price”.
In addition, gas continues to flow from Russia through Bulgaria to other Member States and neighbouring regions, including the Western Balkans.
Sofia is therefore requesting that the EU Council instruct the European Commission to provide for a solidarity mechanism “which would assist Bulgaria to mitigate the losses that the country is currently facing”, and/or a solidarity mechanism that would allow the country to exceptionally obtain access rights to Russian gas passing through its territory.
In the absence of a harmonised EU approach to help Bulgaria, the country will have to consider taking “unilateral action” against Russian gas passing through its territory, the document goes on to warn. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)