Construction of the Bulgarian section of the gas link with Serbia has started

The construction of the gas connection between Bulgaria and Serbia started on Bulgarian territory. According to the plan, it should connect the towns of Novi Iskar and Nis.

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic attended the inauguration of construction works of the Bulgarian route.

President Radev reminded that Bulgaria has proved to be a reliable transit country and even in the worst situation when our country was left without Russian gas, it continued to export blue fuel to Serbia without any problems. Our country is also the third largest net exporter of electricity in Europe.

"Gas connections are not just infrastructure projects, but a symbol of our region's potential for the future. The interconnector is a pledge for the future, but also an expression of the will of our countries not just to build bilateral relations, but a pan-European future based on solidarity and innovative technologies. It is an example of how our sustainable cooperation with the Commission leads to mutual benefits not only for our countries. It is an example of the successful implementation of the European strategy for affordable energy. This interconnector is also a success for Bulgaria because we gain access to expanded markets," Rumen Radev said.

“Bulgaria is at a crossroads - this includes gas supplies and this is a strategic advantage. Bulgaria accepts its responsibility to be a guarantor of security in the region. This interconnector enables us to benefit from the rest of the country's network, guaranteeing the lowest possible prices not only for Bulgaria but also for the region," caretaker Energy Minister Rosen Hristov said.

The first sod of the gas interconnection between the two countries was made on February 1 last year in Serbia. Now the construction of the Bulgarian route has started.

The gas pipeline has a total length of 170 kilometres, 67 of which are in Bulgaria. The capacity of the pipe, which will be able to transport gas in both directions, is 1.8 billion cubic metres. The cost of its construction in Bulgaria is over BGN 140 million. Part of the sum is provided under European programmes.

The gas link is due to be put into operation in October this year. Its construction has been delayed for more than 11 years, as the idea for the project has been in the works since 2009.