The Prime Minister: My hope is that at the end of this year Bulgaria will be independent of Russian gas and with a greener economy

We can be optimistic about the next decade if we take into account the lessons of the past 10 years. This was stated by the Prime Minister Kiril Petkov in his speech during the discussion "Lost Decade?" during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the government's information service said.

Prime Minister Petkov pointed out that not enough strategic steps have been taken in recent years to prevent Europe's growing dependence on Russian gas and to counter hybrid attacks. On security and defense, there was also a lack of strategic thinking on logistics on the eastern flank.

Petkov also pointed out the problem with foreign agents, which is especially relevant in Bulgaria. According to the Prime Minister, all the omissions did not allow for a proper response to the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine.

The conclusion is that we must act together, said Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and gave an example of how Bulgaria managed to find alternatives in the short term after the suspension of supplies from Gazprom. According to the Prime Minister, the optimal use of infrastructure in the region allows for energy diversification not only in Bulgaria but also in the Balkans. Petkov stressed the importance of achieving synergies in the region and taking steps for more sustainability. As a result, Prime Minister Petkov expressed hope that by the end of this year Bulgaria will be independent of Russian gas and have a much greener economy.

In Davos, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov was accompanied by his political cabinet chief and his foreign policy adviser. The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, which takes place from 22 to 26 May, is held under the motto "History at a turning point: government policies and business strategies". The forum brings together over 2,000 economic and political leaders, intellectuals, journalists and experts from around the world who have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of current issues, including restoring global cooperation, restoring economic balance, combating climate change, transforming industry, innovation, governance and cybersecurity, etc.

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who is taking part in the Davos Economic Forum, also held a series of bilateral meetings.

Prime Minister Petkov talks with Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic. The two heads of government discussed current issues at the forthcoming European Council in Brussels. Petkov and Plenkovic agreed on the need for the two countries to join Schengen.

Prime Minister Kiril Petkov also met with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic to congratulate him on his recent appointment and welcomed the government's political will to continue fulfilling the commitments made in the process of European integration. Petkov reaffirmed Bulgaria's consistent support for Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic integration.

Petkov also spoke with Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilica. The challenges posed by the war in Ukraine were discussed. The meeting also focused on energy issues, as well as the struggle for the rule of law. Prime Minister Petkov expressed support for the development of Taraclia State University, which is an important bridge between the two countries.

The Bulgarian Prime Minister also met with the Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources of Egypt Tarek el Mola. The main topic of the talks was the opportunities for cooperation in the field of energy, in the context of the consistent actions of the government to ensure gas supplies to Bulgaria from various sources. With the commissioning of the interconnector between Bulgaria and Greece, the necessary infrastructure will be available.

Prime Minister Petkov's program in Davos continues with an official dinner hosted by World Economic Forum President Björg Brende. Among the guests of the event are Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iveala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, Matthias Corman, Secretary General of the OECD, Alexander de Croo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium and others.