Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

On first reading 

Parliament adopts fast-track procedure to terminate Lukoil's concession for Rosenets port 

Rosenets
Photo: BGNES

In a heated debate with 134 votes in favour, the Parliament adopted at first reading legislative amendments that will allow the state to terminate the concession of the port of Rosenets to Lukoil Neftohim Burgas under the fast-track procedure. 45 were against and 14 abstained.

The termination of the concession is in line with EU restrictive measures in view of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the bill's sponsors explained. The proposal was tabled by GERB-SDS, "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (PP-DB) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). According to them, the termination of the concession will stop Russia from using Bulgarian infrastructure to finance the war.

PP-DB MP Daniel Lorer said the termination of the concession is based on the EU-wide sanctions regime. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and Vazrazhdane were opposed. 

"Are you aware of the amount we will have to pay if they (Lukoil Neftohim Burgas - ed.) bring a case against us?" asked Borislav Gutsanov of the BSP.

If finally adopted, the bill would allow the concession to be terminated within a week, BTA reports. The state signed a concession contract with Lukoil Neftohim Burgas in 2011. The concession is for a period of 35 years.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Poll: More than 80% of Bulgarians do not believe that democracy in Bulgaria is genuine

Four in five Bulgarians do not believe the country’s democracy is genuine, according to an independent survey by the Myara sociological agency. The poll found that 81.2% of respondents said Bulgaria does not have real democracy, while 78.2%..

published on 11/18/25 2:44 PM
Michael McGrath

EU expects Bulgaria to secure convictions for high-level corruption

Convictions for high-level corruption in Bulgaria have been few so far. Sustained progress against high-level corruption is needed. This was stated by EU Commissioner for Justice, Michael McGrath, after the meeting of the EU General..

published on 11/18/25 10:37 AM
Rumen Spetsov

Lukoil says it would not interrupt its activities and fuel supply in Bulgaria

The companies of Lukoil will continue to operate with full transparency and fuel supplies will not be interrupted. This is written in a statement from the Russian oil company, signed by the newly appointed special commercial manager..

published on 11/18/25 9:24 AM