Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy and Energy has insisted that the South Stream gas pipeline must be built because the project is essential for the security of supply to the country.
The media statement comes after an announcement by EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger that the European Commission would delay talks on the implementation of the project.
According to the press office of Bulgaria's Economy and Energy Ministry, as cited by dnevnik.bg, South Stream is a strategic project of national importance.
According to the statement, Bulgaria insists on the implementation of the gas pipeline project because it is crucial for the security of supply to the country, for its economic growth and for boosting employment.