Martin Dimitrov demanded a full audit of the state energy

Belene as a project due to the higher seismic hazard is not on my agenda, it is not reasonable. Even the caretaker cabinet appointed by Rumen Radev recommends an additional block in Kozloduy, rather than the construction of Belene. This is terribly indicative. "If Bulgaria needs additional nuclear power at all, an additional unit at Kozloduy is a much more reasonable option." This was said in an interview with BNR by Martin Dimitrov, chairman of the Parliament's Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation.

Dimitrov commented on the topic of gas supplies and gas prices in the context of the war in Ukraine and the payment in rubles requested by Moscow. "One move is what we wanted back in 2017 and now for the first time there is a government that has started working in this direction and has a concrete result - the EC has agreed to negotiate as one consumer and a single unit for natural gas supplies." the MP pointed out.

"Let the countries that want it participate. If someone refuses to participate, it does not mean that others do not. ”Dimitrov expressed surprise that the EC has stated a desire to buy gas in this way only from some suppliers. According to him, "they should apply this to all suppliers." As a very good solution, he identified the option of filling the gas storage facilities in the summer, because liquefied gas this season has favorable prices, he said.

"And it can also be a policy that is coordinated at European level."

Asked about the payment of gas in rubles, Martin Dimitrov commented that it sounded frivolous and with a common European position it should be stated that the unilateral change of contracts is not accepted. "This would be a serious and grave violation of international law. Bulgaria and other countries have valid agreements until the end of the year. No one can unilaterally change contracts signed by two parties. This sounds very strange and very incorrect, "said the economist.

When we try to set price limits and ceilings, this often leads to the opposite effect, says Martin Dimitrov. He announced his proposal, sent to Finance Minister Asen Vassilev and MEP Radan Kanev.

"The EU needs to make a list of sensitive goods and eliminate import duties and quotas on them, for a period of 6 months, for example, which will increase supply and imports into the EU and reduce prices. That is, not to wait for what we saw with the oil to happen once again, but to take preventive measures for price-sensitive goods. If we keep the prices at the moment, that will be a good enough decision. "

"In a war situation, we all pay a high price indirectly. Inflation will be higher, but there is no room for apocalyptic pictures to be drawn, "Dimitrov said.

According to him, long-term contracts should be encouraged in the electricity market so that there are no large price spikes and unpredictability.

"Unlike Europe, the percentage of long-term contracts in Bulgaria is minimal, which leads to much lower predictability in the price of electricity. That is why I expect the new EWRC to take decisive measures, which we will also support. "

Hospitals, kindergartens and schools should be grouped with long-term contracts, Martin Dimitrov outlined a possible step.

"I asked for a full audit of the state energy from the new Minister of Energy. How to make it, let it be his decision. The results must be announced to us. A full audit of the state energy is needed ", Dimitrov was categorical.