New high-level group to focus on gas links in central, southeast Europe

A high-level group on central and southeast Europe gas connectivity was established at a meeting here on Monday, the Bulgarian government said in a press release.

"The group is envisioned to work in two subgroups -- the political and expert level -- and will work on gas connectivity in the region, long term diversification of natural gas sources and the security of gas supplies," the statement read.

One of the priorities of the group will be seeking out three different sources of natural gas to central Europe. Its first task will be to review natural gas supply and demand in the region.

Maros Sefcovic, Vice President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, said at the founding meeting European countries should demonstrate that they can work together to achieve greater connectivity.

EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action Miguel Canete said it was important to develop the Southern Gas Corridor and its link to European networks to work towards achieving energy independence of the region.

The development of domestic reserves in the Black Sea and the development of LNG gas terminals also play a key role, he added.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said his government is actively working towards the realization of key projects to allow the country to have access to secure gas supplies at competitive prices.

"In the winter of 2008, Bulgaria was the country most impacted when Russia halted gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine. Ever since then, Bulgaria has been determined not to allow such risk," Borisov said.

A priority of the Bulgarian government is the construction of inter-connectors with neighboring Greece, Romania, Turkey and Serbia, as well the development of its own gas deposits in the Black Sea shelf, the prime minister added.

Currently, the Balkan country relies on Russia for 96 percent of its gas needs through a single pipeline passing through Ukraine, according to reports. Endit