Presidents Rumen Radev and Stevo Pendarovski discussed the opportunities for a more active partnership between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) in the energy sector. The two heads of State met today after the IGB launch ceremony, which provides real diversification of the sources and routes for natural gas pumping to Southeast Europe.

The possibility for Bulgaria to increase its electricity exports to the RNM during the winter season was also considered. Bulgaria is a major exporter of electricity in the region and President Radev highlighted the need to reach a solution in line with the rules of the European energy market and national legislation and and considering the interests of Bulgarian citizens and businesses. The issue was also debated earlier at a trilateral session between Presidents Radev and Pendarovski and EC President Ursula von der Leyen, where the prospects for support for Bulgaria's south-western neighbour by the European Commission were analysed.    

The two presidents also touched on the European perspective of the RNM, with Radev calling for a faster implementation of the envisaged RNM constitutional amendments, which will also speed up the process of its European integration.