Bulgaria
may build a second natural gas
storage facility so as to prevent possible gas supply problems in the future.
This idea was put forward by Head of State Georgi Parvanov during his visit to
Brussels
.
"The construction of the gas
storage facility may be carried out by the Solvey Company, which plans to
explore a salt deposit in
Bulgaria
. If constructed the depot will make
Bulgaria
practically impermeable to future gas supply
shocks," Mr. Parvanov said. Earlier, he decorated Mr. Alois Michielsen,
Executive Vice President at Solvay Pharmaceuticals with Madara Horseman first
degree, one of
Bulgaria
's highest state insignia.
Following talks between Parvanov and
EC President Barroso Tuesday evening, it emerged that over the next twelve
months the European Commission will allocate 2.3 billion euro to finance 44
priority energy projects across the EU.
"
Bulgaria
is one of the countries that may
apply for financing under this program," Barroso said.
"Thus, your country will
contribute to the bloc's energy security," he told Parvanov.
"We regard
Russia
as an important energy partner, and
Bulgaria
- as a stable member state that may be the
backbone of a prosperous region," Barroso went on. Finally, he praised
President Parvanov for his commitment to the debate on the 2020 EU development
strategy.