Bulgaria to Cancel Tax on Russian Gas for Serbia, Hungary and North Macedonia

The Government of Bulgaria will cancel the tax on the transit of Russian gas which goes through the Bulgarian territory to Serbia, Hungary and North Macedonia, and GERB leader and former prime minister Boyko Borissov hopes that it could help the country’s Schengen Area bid.

Kiril Petkov, party leader of We Continue the Change, announced the news on Monday, adding that Bulgaria would be following the common European approach, Euractiv reports.

– This tax should not be unilateral on the part of Bulgaria. It is necessary to work with the European Commission so that together with all European countries, this type of taxes can be imposed in a way that will actually have an effect on the economy of the Russian Federation as well – he added.

This pertains to the charge which has been in effect since mid-October, and which has been criticized by Serbia and Hungary, which get gas supplies via the transit gas pipeline from Bulgaria, as the countries fear that the additional costs would be paid by the consumers or that Gazprom could fully stop the flow of gas.

– We shouldn’t miss this opportunity due to a tax – Borissov said. – There have always been good neighborly relations and it will remain so – he said.

For a number of years, Sofia has been striving to join the Schengen Area, but the decision requires approval from all EU member states.

Government of Bulgaria

Gazprom

Boyko Borissov

Kiril Petkov

tax on transit of Russian gas

Russian gas tax