TPP Maritsa Iztok 2 EAD and Mini Maritsa-Iztok EAD are officially merging into "Holding Maritsa Iztok". The news was announced by Minister of Energy Iva Petrova on bTV. According to her, a strategic framework has already been finalized, aimed at securing a long-term sustainable perspective for both state-owned companies, while ensuring their financial recovery and the full coverage of accumulated liabilities.

Minister Petrova explained that the vision for the holding includes preserving employment and achieving a soft social impact. Within Mini Maritsa-Iztok, operations will be structured into three distinct work packages covering coal mining and involving employees in the land reclamation process. This approach is expected to create conditions for the development of new economic activities on the reclaimed lands. In addition, specific investments have been identified to reduce operating costs and stimulate growth. The Minister assured that employee salaries are guaranteed, and the strategic plan also envisions the creation of new jobs.

In the context of energy relations, the Minister also commented on the freezing of the contract between Bulgargaz and the Turkish company Botaş. She recalled that the agreement was concluded in a specific crisis situation with peak gas prices, whereas market conditions are now fundamentally different. According to Petrova, it is standard business practice for parties to negotiate when there is mutual interest in order to further develop and optimize the potential of their arrangements.

At the same time, Iva Petrova outlined the main financial challenges facing Bulgargaz, stemming from the liabilities of Toplofikatsia Sofia:

  • Over 800 million euros in debt owed by Toplofikatsia Sofia to Bulgargaz.
  • 400 million euros in debt owed by the capital's district heating company to BEH, which also represents previous debts to Bulgargaz.
Regarding these figures, she added that a number of inspections have been carried out in recent months, assessing both the condition of the heat transmission network and the company's ability to provide quality services to consumers.

Regarding the operation of the Kozloduy NPP amid critically low levels of the Danube River, the Minister noted that the preventive measures taken have ensured the continuous and normal operation of the nuclear power plant. Although river levels are gradually recovering, the situation remains unstable. Petrova emphasized that Bulgaria has not restricted electricity exports and has even provided support to neighboring countries in the region during the critical situation. At present, the energy market remains stable and there is no cause for concern, as the country has a fully sufficient volume of production capacity.