Deputy Prime Minister for European Funds Management Atanas Pekanov
Deputy Prime Minister for European Funds Management Atanas Pekanov said the government will block any increase in water prices this year, even if such adjustments are linked to obligations under European regulations.
Speaking to journalists during the seventeenth edition of the Green and Energy Forum, Pekanov addressed concerns tied to the planned consolidation of the water and sanitation sector. He noted that discussions are ongoing about how to apply EU requirements while protecting well-performing municipal utilities from mandatory structural changes.
According to him, the government has already communicated its position to the European Commission. He emphasized that under current economic conditions, price increases in water services will not be permitted. “In the event of high inflation, extremely high inflation, we will not allow water prices to increase this year, even if European legislation requires it,” Pekanov said.
He added that Bulgaria is exploring flexible approaches to sector reform, particularly in cases where local water companies are financially stable and do not need to be included in broader consolidation measures.
