"When the so-called Energy Grand Slam (three major Bulgarian-Russian energy projects agreed in January 2008) was announced, a joint-stock company was created. Russia acquired 50% of its capital and the remaining 50% was shared equally between Bulgaria and Greece. This company still exists”, said Valentin Nikolov, Chairman of the Bulgaria World Energy Council Committee. Russia never gives up on its strategic decisions, said Valentin Nikolov who supports the renewed concept for an oil pipeline bypassing the Bosphorus. It will allow the oil refinery in Burgas and refineries in Romania to have direct access to oil from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. 

"The point is not to turn the Alexandroupoli – Burgas oil pipeline into a Burgas - Alexandroupoli pipeline at some point. We have to limit such an option because in case of a change in the geopolitical situation Russia will in any case show interest in this oil pipeline," the expert warns.