NATO-backed fuel pipeline project advances in Bulgaria - EXCLUSIVE
Bulgaria is advancing a feasibility study for a strategic fuel pipeline project intended to strengthen NATO’s fuel supply capabilities and improve logistical connectivity in support of collective defence.
This was said by the source in the Мinistry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
The project is being financed through the NATO Security Investment Programme with EUR 10 million in funding and forms part of the NATO Fuel Supply Chain Capability Programme Plan (FSC CPP), developed within the Alliance’s capability planning process.
According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, the initiative goes beyond the development of fuel infrastructure. It is also designed to enhance the resilience and reliability of the fuel supply system and improve logistical connectivity, contributing to NATO’s broader capability objectives in the area of fuel supply.
The ministry said the project is being developed through established coordination mechanisms between NATO and its member states. The programme envisages a phased implementation, with individual projects being developed in a synchronized manner to ensure the coherent delivery of NATO capabilities.
A feasibility study will be the next major step. It will examine the technical feasibility of the project and assess possible implementation options, as well as engineering, environmental, economic and regulatory aspects.
The ministry noted that, following completion of the feasibility study, a project proposal will be prepared and submitted for screening in accordance with NATO Security Investment Programme procedures.
The proposed infrastructure is being considered in a broader regional context, with reports suggesting that it could eventually contribute to connections involving Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania and wider NATO fuel infrastructure. However, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry emphasized that the project remains at the feasibility-study stage, meaning that questions concerning its final configuration and implementation will depend on the results of the assessment and subsequent NATO procedures.
Photo: Chat GPT
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
