Minister Zhecho Stankov in Washington: Bulgaria reinforces its iosition as a reliable partner in Transatlantic energy cooperation
A series of meetings with representatives of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Energy was held by the Bulgarian delegation, led by Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov. The discussions focused on deepening the strategic energy partnership between the two countries, expanding joint projects, securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies for Southeast Europe, and ensuring sustainable regional connectivity.
“Bulgaria is reinforcing its position as a reliable and predictable partner in transatlantic energy cooperation,” stated Minister Stankov during his meeting with Andy Stough from the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He emphasized Bulgaria’s commitment to building stable and long-term partnerships and highlighted the significant opportunities for cooperation in the sector. He also outlined the progress on two key national and regional projects: the construction of Units 7 and 8 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant and the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor. The potential for U.S. investments in strategic areas such as critical minerals and high technologies was also discussed.
During a meeting with Thomas E. Lersten, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the Department of State, the two sides discussed the role of institutions in promoting sustainable business projects in the energy and high-tech sectors. They explored opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation aimed at creating a predictable and favorable framework for the development of partnerships between companies from both countries.
“Long-term energy security requires collective efforts. The United States is a strong ally of Bulgaria in implementing key regional projects and achieving real diversification of energy sources,” Minister Stankov emphasized in his conversation with Tommy Joyce, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy. The talks also focused on the strategic partnership with the American company Westinghouse in nuclear energy, and the idea of organizing a specialized investment expo targeting companies interested in the energy sector was discussed.
Ensuring the country’s energy independence and strengthening Bulgaria’s role as a key energy hub in the region were central topics in the meeting between Minister Stankov and Dan Negrea, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM). Minister Stankov presented the government’s long-term vision, based on the development of nuclear energy and sustainable sectoral transformation, stressing the importance of reliable financial and technological partnerships. The EXIM Bank’s readiness to provide funding for the most large-scale Bulgarian energy project in decades — the construction of Units 7 and 8 at Kozloduy NPP — was also discussed.
Discussions with representatives of GE Vernova were held with interest and a shared vision for expanded presence on the Bulgarian market. Chief Sustainability Officer Roger Martella and Managing Director George A. Pickart expressed interest in participating in future projects to modernize the Bulgarian energy system. Minister Stankov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to secure, independent, and low-carbon energy: “This lays the groundwork for new prospects, including the development of small modular reactors and innovative infrastructure.”
Minister Stankov also met with business representatives, investors, and officials at roundtables organized by the PRISM association for rare earth materials and the American LNG Association.
