Parliament rejects state role in Khan Tervel oil and gas exploration

Parliament has rejected a GERB-SDS proposal for the state, through Bulgarian Energy Holding, to take a direct role in the exploration and potential production of oil and natural gas in the deep-water Khan Tervel block in the Black Sea.

The proposal received 50 votes in favour from GERB-SDS and Democratic Bulgaria, while 119 MPs from Progressive Bulgaria and the DPS abstained. GERB’s Zhecho Stankov argued that participation by Bulgarian Energy Holding would give the state a direct economic stake in the project, in addition to concession payments. Vazrazhdane’s Tsoncho Ganev questioned why GERB-SDS had not taken such a step while in government.

“Why didn’t you do it when you were in power, but are proposing it now that you are in opposition?” he asked.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova