Bulgaria should present its energy independence plans and request EU support during debates on the issue, Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) leader Ivan Kostov said.

DSB said that Bulgaria's energy dependence on Russia was deepened intentionally. To get more benefits Russia already broke international principles and demanded new agreements for natural gas provision, said Kostov.

The creation of Belene nuclear power plant was also granted to a Russian company, said Kostov as quoted by Focus news agency.

Cabinet had to protect the national interests, Kostov said. Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev should ask from Russia to ratify the European energy charter and liberalise the trade of energy resources, said Kostov.

Stanishev could ask for a common European position on the issue, based on international trade policies, said Kostov.

In the end of 2005 Russian energy company Gazprom demanded changes to the already signed natural gas provision and transit passage agreement signed with Bulgaria. The Cabinet started negotiations to change the new terms for gas provision.

On December 6 Economy and Energy Minister Roumen Ovcharov presented a memorandum that the Cabinet has to approve. In case approved, the memorandum between Bulgaria and Gazprom will be valid until 2030.