Bulgaria could call for a postponement of suspension of Russian oil imports if the European Commission allowed such possibility in the upcoming package of new sanctions against Russia. This was what Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev said during the first working meeting of energy ministers of 8 countries in the region, which is held in Sofia. "If a derogation is allowed, Bulgaria will use it. If the EU as a whole decided that there would be no derogation, then we would not receive postponement...", Vassilev said.

An agreement on the construction of the Bulgaria-Serbia gas connection is expected to be signed during the forum. The project totals 71 million euros excluding VAT. Funding is provided within the framework of Connecting Europe Facility.