Eastring reduces Bulgarian, Slovak dependence on exclusive supplier: Slovak official

The Eastring gas pipeline meets the needs of Bulgaria's energy independence immediately, said Slovakia's Foreign and European Affairs Minister at a press conference following his meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Daniel Mitov here on Thursday.

"The project will also reduce the dependence of both Bulgaria and Slovakia technically on an exclusive supplier," Miroslav Lajcak said in reference to the current reliance on Russia.

Lajcak went on to say that Slovakia and Bulgaria are among the EU member countries that have been affected most by European energy policies.

"What's important for us is to ensure that each energy-related solution is in line with European standards and that it isn't preferential towards anybody," said Lajcak. Endit