The Prime Minister of Bulgaria Rosen Zhelyazkov speaks at a press conference with the President of the European Council António Costa (not in the frame) in Sofia, Bulgaria, September 4, 2025. Getty Images/STR/NurPhoto
As reported by BNR
During a visit to the United States, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov outlined the country’s plans for a complete departure from the use and transit of Russian gas in the near future. According to him, Bulgaria aims to gradually withdraw Russian gas from the energy market by 2028, while emphasizing the need to review existing agreements in light of EU discussions on gas contracts for 2026.
According to the government’s official position, the existing contracts are to be terminated by 2026, and in the long term gas will be completely removed from the Bulgarian market. Currently, the country’s demand for natural gas is met by imports of liquefied gas (LNG) through modern terminals, which helps maintain energy security independent of transit through Russia.
By 2026 the contracts should be terminated, and in the long run – by 2028 – gas will be completely excluded from the Bulgarian energy market
As part of the visit, Bulgaria also signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of North Dakota regarding rare-earth elements research, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening scientific and technological potential and investment opportunities in knowledge-intensive sectors.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe plans to completely abandon Russian fossil fuels by 2027. It was also noted that purchases of Russian energy resources in the EU have fallen by about 80%, with a significant portion of the remaining imports going to Hungary.
Context and implications for Bulgaria’s energy security
These steps signify a substantial shift in Bulgaria’s energy trajectory: increasing the role of LNG terminals, diversifying suppliers, and reducing dependence on transit through Russia. This allows placing energy independence and supply security first in the medium term, while also creating new challenges related to prices and infrastructure.
Analysts emphasize that moving to different sources and LNG purchases may influence the region’s gas market, but it opens opportunities for greater energy security and new economic solutions in Bulgaria and neighboring countries.
