The Challenges of Managing Russian Political Risk in Bulgaria
Western politicians, from Angela Merkel to Barack Obama, who believed they could understand Vladimir Putin and engage with him, faced
Read More
Author: Ilian Vassilev
Shadow Schemes: The Transshipment of Russian Crude Oil in Bulgaria
Orbán Takes Over Lukoil’s Assets in Bulgaria? In late November, an investigation by Ukrainska Pravda featured on The Alternativata TV
Read More
Chiren CCGT Expansion: Unanswered Questions and Missed Opportunities
Photo:BTA The recent hearing of Vladimir Malinov, Bulgaria’s caretaker Minister of Energy, regarding the expansion project of the Chiren Central
Read More
The Cost of Carelessness: How Bulgaria’s Caretaker Government Mismanages Economic Policy and Budget
A Legacy of Incompetence and Corruption Bulgaria’s caretaker government is forging an unenviable legacy defined by mismanagement and corruption. By
Read More
The Impact of Sanctions Against Gazprombank on Russian gas transit via Bulgaria
Today represents a pivotal moment in the governance approaches of former Prime Minister Borissov and President Radev. Their chief energy
Read More
Bulgaria – December Analytical Brief, 2025
Ilian Vassilev – Commentary in the “Alternativata” It has been a long time since I last shared my thoughts, but
Read More
Bulgaria’s Challenges Ahead: Navigating the Fallout of an Arbitral Tribunal’s Decision
Background and Context The recent arbitral tribunal ruling in favor of OMV for compensation over disrupted gas supplies to Germany
Read More
Rising Political Temperatures in South-Eastern Europe’s Energy Sector
The political landscape in South-Eastern Europe continues to heat up, driven by the increasing likelihood of disruptions to Russian gas
Read More
Will Donald Trump Be Able to Stop the War in Ukraine?
An Attempt at Analysis Donald Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine has captured significant attention, particularly as he
Read More
Beyond Gas: Orbán’s Ambitions in Oil and Electricity Trading
Second of Two Articles – link to the first Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s energy strategy encompasses not only Hungary’s natural
Read More