Bulgaria Halts Works on South Stream project

Russia

SOFIA, June 11, 2014 – On June 8, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski ordered that work on the Russia-backed South Stream gas pipeline project be halted, following the EU’s call for an investigation into contract awards.

Brussels also questions the project’s compliance with EU rules prohibiting energy producers from controlling the access to pipelines. Oresharski commented that project’s continuation would depend on additional consultation with the EU bodies as well as the US.

The 2,446-kilometre South Steam pipeline will transport Russian gas to Italy via the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Slovenia. First supplies are expected in late 2015.

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