A coordinated anti-crisis response at European Union level is needed, including financial support for transport operators, ensuring energy security and stability of fuel supplies. Minister of Transport and Communications Korman Ismayilov said at an informal video conference meeting of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (part "Transport"), dedicated to the consequences of the crisis in the Middle East and national measures to reduce its negative effects.
"Due to its geographical proximity and its role as a transit centre between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria faces serious logistical and economic challenges," the minister said. The transport sector is one of the most affected by the crisis in the Middle East, which, due to its key role in the economy, has a strong influence on the prices of a number of goods and services.
"Since the beginning of the military conflict in the Gulf, fuel prices have risen by over 40% for diesel and over 20% for gasoline, a rise that puts a number of companies on the brink of survival. This leads to a chain appreciation throughout the logistics system, creates a risk for jobs and threatens the normal functioning of supplies, "the Bulgarian Minister said.
Common European measures are essential to prevent market distortions and deepen inequalities between Member States.
Effective coordination at EU level must include the coordination of a package of anti-crisis measures applicable in all Member States and mechanisms for the rapid exchange of information and good practices. "Such an approach will avoid fragmentation and will provide greater predictability and stability for the transport sector in the EU, Korman Ismailov added.
Measures aimed at security of supply and price stability are imperative. These include ensuring energy security and stockpile management, fiscal and economic relief, improving logistical sustainability.
"I believe that through united efforts and solidarity within the EU, we will be able to turn these challenges into an opportunity to build a more modern and sustainable European transport system," Minister Ismailov concluded.
