19. 07. 10. - 12:00

Borisov to debate Alpine exit with Faymann and Fischer

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov is expected to discuss difficulties with a planned hydropower project with Social Democratic (SPÖ) Chancellor Werner Faymann and Austrian President Heinz Fischer today (Mon) and tomorrow.

Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) chief Borisov is on a two-day visit to the Austrian capital during which he is also expected to meet with People’s Party (ÖVP) Vice Chancellor Josef Pröll and members of the Bulgarian community in Austria.

A key subject is tipped to be the state of the Gorna Arda hydropower project set to be resumed soon.

Austrian energy supplier EVN is the sole partner of Bulgarian state power utility NEK in the project after Salzburg-based building firm Alpine Bau withdrew from its construction.

Borisov meanwhile said he was happy with how things were going since he took over as Prime Minister around one year ago.

He said: "We didn’t raise taxes in contrast to our neighbours Romania and Greece. Our economy benefited from this decision, and potential investors appreciated this policy as well."

He added that there were signs of improvements in the fight against corruption in the country.