Yesterday, nine Balkan countries, including Bulgaria, signed a draft agreement on an energy community in South-Eastern Europe, the first step in creating a common market for electricity and natural gas. The Balkan market will operate under the rules set for the energy market in the European Union. Only Greece, which is an EU member, and Turkey still have reservations about some of the texts. The two countries have not signed the agreement yet.
Under the contract, duties and quantity limitations on the import and export of electricity and natural gas will be scrapped by each of the countries. Energy sales will also be exempt from taxation. The participation in this common market will lead to a pressure for cutting the prices and improving the services for all privileged users. They are large users, which have the right to buy electricity directly from producers. From 2007, all companies will be allowed to buy and sell electricity. (Novinar)