Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov announced today his country will drop a $1 billion pipeline deal to bring Russian oil to Greece.
Speaking after meeting with European Union ambassadors in Sofia, Borisov explained the decision was based on environmental concerns.
Russia, Bulgaria, and Greece had agreed in 2007 to build the 282-kilometer pipeline from the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas to Alexandropoulis in the eastern Mediterranean.
In a statement, the government press office said Bulgaria "has not for the time being undertaken any official action for ending its participation" in the project.
Borisov's statement came a day after Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko said it may "freeze" the project, warning Bulgaria over delays.
compiled from agency reports