An investigation into the construction of the extension of TurkStream gas pipeline, dubbed Balkan Stream, has found some serious violations.
Outgoing Prime Minister Kiril Petkova established of the administrative procedures of the design, working groups to conduct comprehensive checks construction and putting into operation of the natural gas pipeline infrastructure between the Bulgarian-Turkish border and the Bulgarian- Serbian border. Subject to the probe were also public procurement procedures conducted by Bulgartransgaz in connection with the Balkan Stream pipeline’s design and construction, the supply and putting into operation of the Rasovo and Nova Provadia compressor stations, as well as the fulfillment of the public procurement contracts.
The results of the investigation show a number of violations, including of environmental and labor legislation, violations in the awarding and conducting of public procurements, violations in financing of activities.
Former Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova denied the accusations, saying that the Balkan Stream project was carried out in full compliance with EU and Bulgarian law and according to the updated national energy strategy following a National Assembly resolution. According to her, the Government of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov set the actual start of the diversification of natural gas and nuclear fuel supplies to Bulgaria.
The Balkan Stream gas pipeline was commissioned in December 2020.
