Energy liberalisation and diversification of gas suppliers are a priority for Bulgaria, President Rosen Plevneliev said at a meeting with EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager in Sofia on Friday.

Bulgaria works intensively to achieve improved energy connectivity in southeastern Europe and is grateful for the support of the European Commission, Plevneliev said, according to a statement from the President’s Office.

"The construction of the interconnection between Bulgaria and Greece is of strategic importance not only for Bulgaria but for the region as well," Plevneliev said.

Margrethe Vestager expressed support for the proposed construction of a gas hub in Bulgaria, which could become a part of the future integrated energy market of the European Union, according to the statement.

Bulgaria has achieved a lot in boosting transparency of operations at its energy companies and now seeks to promote the introduction of good management practices and policies in the energy sector, Plevneliev said.

Plevneliev and Vestager agreed that the liberalisation of the energy sector and the creation of regional markets for trade in electricity and natural gas will reduce prices for consumers and will lead to greater transparency in pricing,