Agreement on lignite units expected next week, environment ministry sources say

The negotiations with the European Commission on the portfolio of PPC lignite units that will be put on sale will likely be concluded next week, an environment ministry official said on the sidelines of the consultations held with European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic.
On his part, Sefcovic estimated that a solution will soon be found, adding that energy issues are a significant part of the third programme review that the government hopes to swiftly conclude.
The sale of the lignite units corresponding to 40 pct of PPC’s assets will be carried out after a decision of the European Court of Justice to “break up” PPC’s monopoly on lignite production. It has been agreed to sell the plant in Florina, as well as the license for the construction of a second unit at the same station.