Bulgaria

Bulgaria's PM Sergei Stanishev and Germany's Chancellor are in high spirits during Stanishev's visit to the Chancellery in Berlin
Angela Merkel, Germany's Chancellor, said that she was confident that Bulgaria would be a successful EU member, reported the BTA. She expressed her opinion at a meeting with Bulgaria's PM Sergei Stanishev. According to her, the fact that Bulgaria is pursuing a pro-European policy even before the country's accession to the EU is highly appreciated. Sergei Stanishev has presented the chancellor with a replica of a golden rhyton from the Panagyurishte Treasure.

"As of next Bulgaria will no longer export electricity. Furthermore, the energy balance of the country is uncertain," said Lubomir Velkov, CEO of the National Electric Company (NEC) for the Darik Radio.
After Bulgaria's accession to the EU the country will lose some USD 300 mln in revenues. At the same time the NEC will have to operate at a loss, say experts. After reactors III and IV of NPP Kozlodui are decommissioned the NEC will have difficulties supplying the necessary amount of electricity to the internal market and will therefore have to cut its export. If the growing trend of consumption of electricity in Bulgaria is preserved the NEC practically will not have the capacity to export electricity. This will put the National Electric Company is a very awkward position - on one hand it has to honor the already signed long-term contracts but on the other hand the company will not be able to produce enough electricity, say experts. The TPP Maritza Iztok 1 and Maritza Iztok 3 will partially make up for the reduction of the production.

Dimitar Stoyanov, observer from the quota of the Ataka nationalist coalition infuriated his colleagues in Strasburg with his racist statements regarding Livia Jaroka
An avalanche of protests against Dimitar Stoyanov, observer from the quota of the Ataka nationalist coalition, exploded at the European Parliament and the Bulgarian National Assembly. The protests were triggered by his racist statement.