Bulgaria: EU defied on South Stream gas pipeline

Despite concerns from the European Commission on the project, reports say Bulgaria has ruled that the South Stream gas pipeline is not in breach of competition law.

The gas line, spearheaded by Russia’s Gazprom, has garnered significant controversy. The line will reportedly bypass Ukraine and run across southern and central Europe. The Commission is reportedly concerned that agreements made between Russia and Bulgaria regarding gas supplied by the pipeline may violate competition law.

But Bulgaria announced late last week that the pipeline is not in violation of any competition rules. The agreement, made in 2008, was found to not offer exclusive rights, concessions or tendering for the South Stream Bulgaria Company according to Bulgarian officials.

The Bulgarian gas firm owns the Bulgaria part of the pipeline.

Reports say the Commission heard Bulgaria’s findings last Friday, but EU regulators, which suggested that construction on the gas line be halted until the matter is resolved, could issue infringement proceedings and possible fines against Bulgaria.

Full content: Standard RT News

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