The “South Stream” Train Stops in the Balkans

The European Commission infringement proceedings against Bulgaria, in breach of EU law over the choice of constructor of the South Stream gas pipeline, shows the determination of the EU institutions in the implementation of anti-trust policy and the liberalisation of the energy market. However, even if Sofia—and also Belgrade—will move the start of construction, one should not expect that they will withdraw fully from this project. Also the commission has neither the will, nor the instruments, to completely stop South Stream, but it may still seek to change the terms of the investment, so that it is beneficial for the whole EU.