Why are the three European countries called shale gas mining?
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June 28 12:01:14, 2025
Abstract Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic have all taken a step back from shale gas development, raising concerns within the energy industry. This year, each of these countries has imposed restrictions or outright bans on hydraulic fracturing, citing various political, environmental, and social reasons. In January, Bulgaria halted its fracking activities; later, Romania’s new government declared an emergency pause, while in August, the Czech Republic announced it was preparing to suspend shale gas exploration. These moves have sparked widespread debate about the future of unconventional gas in Central and Eastern Europe.
The decision by these three nations to reconsider their stance on shale gas is not entirely unexpected. Historically, the region has relied heavily on Russian gas, making it difficult to meet EU climate goals. Many believed that shale gas could offer a strategic alternative, helping reduce dependence on external suppliers and boosting energy security. Initially, all three countries were open to shale gas development, issuing exploration licenses and welcoming international energy firms. However, as public opposition grew, political tensions intensified, and environmental concerns became more prominent, the initial enthusiasm gradually faded.
One key issue has been the lack of transparency and effective communication between governments and local communities. In Bulgaria, for instance, fierce opposition from environmental groups and local residents led to a significant slowdown in operations. Some political factions and business interests with ties to Russia also played a role in shaping public sentiment. In Romania, the ban was partly driven by internal political struggles, with some viewing the issue as a symbolic move by the new administration. The Czech Republic faced similar challenges, where public distrust over environmental risks and poor planning led to the suspension of shale gas projects.
Another major factor has been the absence of a clear regulatory framework. Without strong policies in place, companies struggled to navigate the legal and environmental complexities of shale gas extraction. Additionally, many of the exploration permits issued overlapped with protected natural areas, further fueling public discontent. Governments failed to adequately address these concerns, leading to growing skepticism about the long-term viability of shale gas.
Companies involved in shale gas exploration also bore part of the blame. Many did little to engage with local populations, failing to provide sufficient information or build trust. Chevron, for example, never established a local office in Bulgaria, which only deepened public suspicion. Environmental groups saw this as a sign that foreign firms were not committed to the region, but rather focused on short-term profits. As a result, protests and demonstrations continued to rise.
Political dynamics also played a crucial role. Shale gas became a hot topic in election campaigns, with some parties using public concerns as a tool to gain support. In Bulgaria, the issue became a central theme in political debates, highlighting the deep divisions within society. At the same time, there were whispers that Russian influence might be behind some of the opposition, as Moscow seeks to maintain its dominance in the European gas market.
Despite the current setbacks, the future of shale gas in these countries remains uncertain. While they have paused domestic projects, none have ruled out the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future. Poland's progress in shale gas exploration may serve as a model, encouraging a reassessment of the potential benefits. Meanwhile, these countries are focusing on other energy sources, such as conventional gas, nuclear power, and renewable energy, to diversify their energy mix.
In the long run, the success of shale gas will depend on improved communication, stronger regulations, and greater public engagement. Until then, the path forward remains unclear, and the debate over unconventional gas will continue to shape the energy landscape of Central and Eastern Europe.