The European Commission announced this Thursday the opening of an infringement procedure against Bulgaria that has established a reduced price of fuels for the exclusive benefit of motorists in the country, in violation of the rules of the single market.
Sofia has introduced “a compensation regime that translates into a lower fuel price only for owners of vehicles registered in Bulgaria”, explained the European executive, who denounces a “seriously discriminatory and disproportionate” measure, contrary to the rules of the internal market.
The reduction, which amounts to 0.13 euros per liter of fuel, “does not apply to vehicles not registered in Bulgaria.”
The 27 member countries of the EU are trying to protect motorists from rising fuel prices that have skyrocketed since Russia invaded Ukraine. But “the introduction of a discriminatory treatment cannot constitute a solution”, warns Brussels.
Device retired in December
Bulgaria now has two months to respond to the concerns raised by the Commission in a letter of formal notice, the first step in a procedure that can lead to European justice and the imposition of financial sanctions.
In July, the EU executive had already opened an infringement procedure against Hungary for a similar reason.
Budapest had established a mechanism last year that offered Hungarian motorists fuel prices “60 to 70% lower” than the prices charged to foreign motorists.
This “cap price” mechanism was introduced by the government of Viktor Orban in November 2021, but from May 2022 it was reserved only for vehicles registered in Hungary.
However, the controversial device was withdrawn on December 6. Regarding the procedure opened against Hungary, “the Commission services are analyzing the situation in light of these latest positive developments,” a spokesman for the European Executive told AFP.
Source: BFM TV
