MAJOR PROJECTS IN BULGARIAN ENERGY THROUGH THE LENS OF GEOPOLITICS, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND DIPLOMACY
On September 30, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Sofia, Musala Hall, the National Conference - COMPASS 2025 will take place. The central focus will be on major projects in Bulgarian energy, examined through the prism of geopolitics, national security, and diplomacy.
The forum is being held in the context of growing regional and global challenges that directly affect the security, independence, and strategic development of Bulgaria’s energy sector. The need for coordination between political decision-making, geo-economic processes, and technological innovation calls for an open and expert debate among institutions, business, and civil society.
The discussions will cover the full spectrum of modern energy – from the renewal and digitalization of the transmission and distribution networks, through the deployment of new renewable energy and storage technologies, to the strategic role of nuclear power and gas infrastructure for the country’s security and competitiveness. Issues of regional energy connectivity, the harmonization of national priorities with European policies, and the attraction of strategic investors for key projects will also be addressed.
Confirmed participants include Prime Minister Mr. Rosen Zhelyazkov, Minister of Energy Mr. Zhecho Stankov, and Minister of Finance Ms. Temenuzhka Petkova. Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria Ms. Iliana Yotova has also confirmed her attendance.
The event will last approximately six hours and will be free of charge; however, due to limited seating, advance registration is required. The presentations will be delivered in Bulgarian, with real-time subtitled translation into English provided.
The program of the forum is structured in two main panels, which will outline the political, economic, and technological perspectives for the future of Bulgaria’s energy sector.
Thank you for your interest in NATIONAL CONFERENCE - COMPASS 2025. All places are now occupied and the registration form is closed.
This panel will present the government’s vision for ensuring energy security, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing Bulgaria’s competitiveness in the face of dynamic global challenges.
The Political Panel of COMPASS 2025 will bring together the highest-ranking representatives of the executive branch, who define the strategic priorities for the development of the energy sector and the national economy. The Prime Minister and key ministers will present the government’s vision for the energy transition, economic resilience, and the strengthening of international partnerships.
The discussion will outline the government’s priorities in the context of global energy challenges, regional security, and Bulgaria’s integration into European policies. Through their leadership and strategic vision, the participants will set the framework for subsequent expert debates and practical solutions.
The panel will focus on:
• geopolitical risks and transnational energy dependencies;The COMPASS 2025 expert panel will bring together leading executives of strategic enterprises and organizations who manage key elements of the energy system, implement projects of national and regional importance, and define the direction of the sector’s future development. The participants are recognized professionals with impressive managerial and technical experience, combining strategic vision with tangible results in the implementation of large-scale energy initiatives.
The people from the Expert Panel are the driving forces behind the modernization of the networks, the introduction of innovations, and the building of international partnerships. Their participation ensures that the panel will not be just a discussion, but a platform for sharing experience, visions, and solutions capable of reshaping the sector’s trajectory.
This is a rare opportunity to hear ideas from those who shape Bulgaria’s energy policy and strategic priorities. The panel will unite visions and expert perspectives to outline the path toward technological transformation, a sustainable energy system, and a stronger economy – for the benefit of society today and future generations.
Moderators:
Valeria Veleva – journalist
Slavcho Neykov – energy analyst
Focus on strategic energy projects, technological solutions, and the real infrastructure of the energy transition.
Mr. Valentin Nikolov
Chief Executive Officer of Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH)
Mr. Georgi Dobrev
Chief Executive Officer of NEC EAD
Mr. Petyo Ivanov
Chief Executive Officer of Kozloduy NPP – New Units
Mr. Angelin Tsachev
Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity System Operator (ESO)
Topics include:
Energy security, carbon neutrality, and diversification of Bulgaria’s nuclear energy
The contribution of Kozloduy NPP – New Units to Bulgaria’s sustainable energy future
The role of Units 7 and 8 for the country’s energy independence
Human resource development for the project – attracting and training specialists, scholarship programs, and partnerships with universities
Energy connectivity of regional transmission systems and new generating capacities – the path to establishing Bulgaria as the energy hub of Southeast Europe
Mr. Asen Hristov
CHAIRMAN OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD OF EUROHOLD BULGARIA, OWNER OF ELECTROHOLD
Prof. D.Sc. Eng. Nikolay Vulkanov
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Minstroy Holding JSC
Mr. Svetoslav Benchev
Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association
Ms. Lyubomira Gancheva
Expert
Topics include:
COMPASS 2025 will serve as a platform for visionary analysis, pragmatic solutions, and coordination between institutions, business, and diplomacy.
We look forward to your participation.
Connectivity, stability, and new capacities – Bulgaria’s path to energy leadership in the region.
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Innovation as a driver for sustainable growth and modernization of the national energy leader.
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Human capital as a strategic resource for the future of nuclear energy in Bulgaria.
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Nuclear projects as a guarantee for Bulgaria’s energy security and long-term independence.
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The strategic role of new nuclear capacities for Bulgaria’s energy security and sustainable development.
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EU-funded projects as a catalyst for Bulgaria’s energy transformation and sustainable development.
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Bulgaria’s gas infrastructure as a bridge between regions and a key element of Southeastern Europe’s energy security.
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Unlocking the potential of geothermal energy as a stable and sustainable source for electricity and heat production in Bulgaria.
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Transforming distribution networks into intelligent, resilient, and flexible infrastructure – the key to Bulgaria’s successful energy transition.
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Energy storage as the key to fully integrating renewables and ensuring grid stability.
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Regional energy security as a strategic EU priority and an opportunity for Bulgaria to strengthen its role in European energy policy.
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Natural gas as a strategic resource for Bulgaria’s energy security and geopolitical positioning.
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ISA focuses on national security, foreign policy and energy sustainability, global crises, and economic recovery. The Institute works in close cooperation with state institutions, employers’ and trade union organizations, diplomatic missions, as well as leading research centers in Europe and the United States.
