On South Stream
It seems like Bulgaria is more interested in its own interests rather than Europe’s, and while this cannot be criticised, at least some attention should be paid to them, although given Bulgaria’s historic ties and cultural similarities, there will always be conflicts of interest. However, Bulgaria should not on the one hand be a major beneficiary of European funds and resources while simultaneously rewarding itself for working against Europe’s interests. I am sure that some commentators will deny that this South route does work against Europe’s interest, but certainly it does not help Europe diversify its supplies away from Russia. The level of dependence is currently unhealthy and no one can deny that.
Geoffrey Berry
On Kozloduy
Why are those behind this campaign so obsessed?
There is no reason to restart these dangerous blocks. The reasons for electricity problems in the region (which, by the way, are strongly exaggerated in the Bulgarian press!) stem from bad grid management, lack of investment in own infrastructure and so on. Not from the already over a decade known closure of units 3 and 4. And if 20 per cent renewables will not do the job, why not stimulate the development of more?
And what about efficiency in this country that wastes five times more energy per produced product than the EU15?
Stanishev and Dimitrov belong to the same generation of energy dinosaurs as Ovcharov... but bluffing and agitprop speak will not change the difference on the ground. It is time these men get out of the way of real development of Bulgaria.
Jan Haverkamp
Greenpeace
It would be stupid to open these two reactors again; they were closed for a good reason, which is that they are very dangerous, and potentially lethal to thousands.
For investors in Bulgaria, they will be put off, especially if they know just how dangerous the reactors are, how stupid it would be and greedy, to reopen them.
Jane Ross
