Hungarian, Bulgarian Presidents Discuss Energy Cooperation

Sofia (MTI) – Linking electricity grids, diversifying gas imports, Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen zone and migration stood in the focus of talks between presidents Janos Ader of Hungary and Rosen Plevneliev of Bulgaria in Sofia on Tuesday.

At a joint press conference, Ader said that the two countries should jointly consider options during the institutional reforms of the European Union.

The president added that he saw especially good chances for cooperation in agriculture.

Ader said that Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic had made progress in linking their electricity grids, and that Bulgaria and Romania had indicated their intention to join.

Asked about the planned South Stream gas pipeline, Ader said that it would only be one option for the diversification of gas supply. He said that the pipeline would enable Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria and Serbia to get natural gas even if the Ukrainian crisis were protracted.