"We managed to stabilize the energy sector during the past year and a long-term vision for its development is outlined now", said the Minister of Economy and Energy Dragomir Stoynev in "The day begins" on BNT. "The mines operation is guaranteed and the electricity export is recovered as a result of the government’s measures undertaken in the energy field", highlighted Stoynev. He recalled that upon taking up the post, the energy system has been misbalanced due to the contracts being signed not in the interest of the country, such as 1000 MW generated by the renewable energy sources, included probably on the basis of lobbyism, for which Bulgarian people should pay 100% expensive energy.
The minister announced that 80% of the European Commission recommendations for the energy sector, made upon the request of the provisional government concerned about the energy system status being found after the government of GERB, have been already completed.
The implementation and activities regarding the progress of remaining 20 % of the recommendations of the European Commission were also the subject of the meeting held last week between Minister Stoynev and the European Commissioner Oettinger.
"Inconsiderate measures should not be taken in the energy sector. The actions should be considered with a long-term vision", stressed Stoynev. As one of the achievements made during the one-year government, he pointed the start of the balanced market set up, which should have started four years ago, and the establishment of an energy exchange as well.
The Economy Minister was clear that currently the energy companies are under proper operation and the salaries of about 64 000 employees are guaranteed. Stoynev was clear that deposits of the energy companies were not withdrawn from CCB prior to the situation occurred around the bank. We managed to withdraw most of the state-owned companies’ funds which were concentrated in CCB during the GERB government. Currently 25% of the state-owned companies amounts are located there and they will be provided", he explained.
According to Minister Stoynev, the government has implemented a number of policies in favor of Bulgarian society in the fight against monopolies, as well as a greater justice concerning the operation of EDC companies has been achieved.
He recalled that following the government's measures, the Bulgarian economy has realized an economic growth for two consecutive quarters of this year. Employers'organizations recognize this as well; but they are also right that the political instability threatens the economy. "In the first quarter of this year, 40 000 new jobs were opened - that has not occurred since 2009", he added. VMZ"Sopot" has been already working, and currently new employees are hired", said the Minister, despite the criticism that the government has taken steps to rescue the company.
"The government fulfilled politics to meet the economization of the Bulgarian foreign policy and the results are there. Bulgarian companies have already signed contracts with partners in Algeria, Afghanistan and Iraq and the construction of factories is to start", said Stoynev.
Source: www.mi.government.bg