Bulgaria and Slovakia, backed by the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland and Romania, put joint demands to the EU Energy Council in Luxembourg. The six countries want the green transition to continue, but not at the cost of secure supplies, energy prices and industry's ability to compete, Bulgaria's Energy Ministry said.
Energy minister Iva Petrova presented the position.
The demands build on a joint declaration by trade associations from the six countries. Representatives of energy groups from Central and Eastern Europe signed it in Sofia on 8 October 2026. It is called the Sofia Declaration on Energy Security and Competitiveness in Central and Eastern Europe.
The first demand concerns the emissions trading system, under which firms pay for the carbon dioxide they release. The six countries want it applied in a realistic way, with the cost to people taken into account. They want the same for the revised Renewable Energy Directive, and they call for more flexibility in its transport targets.
On transport, the countries want technology neutrality. In practice, this means the EU should not impose one technology to cut harmful emissions, but leave several routes open. The six countries say biofuels and recycled carbon fuels can cut emissions from cars already on the road.
The countries also asked for the Methane Regulation to be applied in a realistic way, with energy security taken into account. Firms affected by the rules need clear conditions they can meet. The six countries expect the EU to make predictable decisions that meet climate goals and take into account what the shift costs the economy and people.
The ministers also discussed a draft regulation meant to make electricity bills affordable. It aims to cut system costs, use more electricity in place of other fuels and bring in more digital solutions.
Bulgaria wants more transparency in how network tariffs are set. These are the charges consumers pay for moving and distributing electricity, and they are part of every bill. Bulgaria says national regulators should keep setting them, with no outside interference.
Bulgaria also wants ways of funding that do not put too much of the cost on consumers. It expects concrete proposals from the European Commission, including tripartite agreements for grids. These could help raise funding and share the cost of building infrastructure more fairly.
Petrova also asked for state aid rules that are more flexible, simpler and faster, so governments can act quickly in emergencies. As an example, she pointed to the European Commission's temporary state aid framework for the sectors hit hardest by the Middle East crisis, known as METSAF.
Greece proposed a joint meeting of the energy, finance and economy ministers, because the decisions matter greatly for state budgets. Slovakia also backs the idea, and Bulgaria has joined it.
On the energy and climate policy framework after 2030, Bulgaria calls for better coordination in crises. It gives two reasons. One is the conflict in the Middle East, and the other is the unprecedentedly low level of the Danube. Bulgaria says the two crises show that the risks are linked. The ministry says that, with the river at a critical level, overall readiness for crises is decisive.
Bulgaria is promoting several regional projects. They include the Vertical Gas Corridor, the East-West and North-South electricity corridors, and green energy routes from the Caspian region to Europe.
Petrova also spoke about energy storage. She said it is important so the energy system can adjust more easily and supplies stay secure. Bulgaria backs new ways to fund projects that will benefit the system and neighbouring countries for a long time.
"We expect an adequate assessment of Bulgarian projects applying for funding under the Connecting Europe Facility, including the Yadenitsa project," the minister said. The Connecting Europe Facility is an EU programme that gives money for energy, transport and digital links between countries.
Bulgaria also calls for deeper talks in the regional and international formats it already takes part in.
The next step is the 31st UN climate change conference, COP 31, in Antalya, Turkey. Bulgaria will propose a joint initiative there by the environment, energy and transport ministers for better coordination and greater readiness in crises.