After the closure of two Kozloduy nuclear power plant (NPP) units Bulgaria would be no longer able to export electricity to its neighbouring countries, Economy and Energy Minister Roumen Ovcharov said.

Bulgaria has to shut down the two reactors to meet EU entry criteria. Ovcharov warned that the decision would affect electricity prices and the Balkans’ energy stability.

Limiting electricity export was going to affect Bulgaria’s current account deficit, said Ovcharov.

The country would not experience difficulties with providing electricity for its own needs, said he.

One of Bulgaria’s main tasks after the closure would be re-establishing itself on the international energy market, said Ovcharov as quoted by Focus news agency.

Ovcharov also said that the Cabinet was doing its best to guarantee Bulgaria’s long-term natural gas supplies. It was also trying to maintain Bulgaria as one of the countries dealing with significant natural gas transit passage, said he.