Sofia Echo quoted Mr Traicho Traikov energy minister of Bulgaria as saying that the European Union needs common legislation to regulate the exploration and production of shale gas.

He added that "Bulgaria has initiated the creation of common European legislation for research and production of shale gas."

According to the minister, common regulations will guarantee not only economic improvement, but also high safety standards for the environment and population.

In June 2011, Bulgaria's government awarded US oil and gas group Chevron a license to launch exploration works in northeastern Bulgaria. Environmental concerns about the hydraulic fracturing technology (fracking) that the US company would use were also discussed at the forum, which was attended by Mr Traikov and a number of energy experts and eco activists.

Mr Traikov said "Hydraulic fracturing has been used for many years in conventional production."

Poland was the first country to call for common rules on shale gas exploration, but recently abandoned the idea.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to sign a deal with Chevron because of the extended negotiations on certain clauses.

(Sourced from www.sofiaecho.com)