If there are sanctions on countries that use Russian nuclear fuel, there should also be sanctions on those that consume large amounts of gas from Russia, as well as those that still have companies operating on Russian soil and have otherwise benefited from their relationships with Russia, said the Bulgarian Minister of Energy, Rossen Hristov, in response to a question from BTA regarding the argument of the German Minister of Economy, Robert Habeck, in favor of sanctions on countries that use Russian nuclear fuel, according to Agerpres.
Hristov explained that Habek’s statement is political and is extremely unacceptable for Bulgaria.
“This is the right of every minister, but if we take into account the trade between Bulgaria and Russia and those between Germany and Russia, you will see that the difference is several times greater,” said Hristov. He pointed out that when Russia’s income from other countries is taken into account, Germany certainly paid much more. In addition, the German companies that have remained on the territory of Russia are among the last ones still operating there.
“If we talk about sanctions, we can talk about a much wider spectrum and the main affected country will be Germany,” said Rossen Hristov.
On the occasion of the meeting with the French energy company EDF, which took place on Tuesday, Hristov noted that the discussions were very constructive. Options for a broad interaction in the field of nuclear energy, as well as an exchange of technical know-how, were discussed. The possibility of EDF assisting in the analysis of the Belene unit and doing a feasibility study, similar to what Westinghouse is doing for units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy, was also discussed. The Energy Minister noted that these studies should be carried out simultaneously so that the National Assembly can have the full package of data before deciding on these projects.
During the day, Hristov was present at the signing of a contract for the expansion of the gas storage in Chiren between Bulgartransgaz and the contractor UGS Chiren.