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Project Estimated Value
Financial scope of the Southern Interconnection pipeline project
Primary Sources
Croatia and Bosnia Sign Gas Pipeline Deal to Cut Russian Energy Dependence
Croatia and Bosnia have signed an agreement to construct a gas pipeline aimed at reducing their energy reliance on Russia, a significant move for the volatile Balkans region. The deal was finalized on Tuesday by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and the chair of Bosnia's Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo, in the presence of U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on the sidelines of a summit of Baltic, Black, and Adriatic nations.Project DetailsThe Southern Interconnection pipeline will connect Bosnia to Croatia's gas network and the liquefied natural gas terminal on the Adriatic island of Krk. Bosnia has selected AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, a U.S.-based company, as the investor and developer for the project. Local media reports suggest the investment could reach up to $1.5 billion.Strategic ImportanceCurrently, Bosnia imports nearly all its gas from Russia via pipelines through Serbia and Bulgaria along the TurkStream route. This new pipeline is expected to diversify energy supplies and enhance security. Prime Minister Plenkovic stated on social media, "We are strengthening energy security and independence ... which is especially important in these challenging global circumstances." Kristo called it "a big day for both countries." — The U.S. delegation included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, who emphasized that the United States can help "reduce energy dependency on Russia and to spur economic growth" in the region.Additional DevelopmentsSeparately, investment group Pantheon Atlas LLC announced plans for a 50 billion-euro ($58 billion) "hyperscale AI data center and innovation campus" in Croatia. A letter of intent was signed with Croatia's Koncar Group as a local partner.
Bosnia signs up to Trump-linked pipeline to reduce Russian gas dependence
The European Union warns that the deal on the link to Croatia could jeopardise Bosnia’s bid to join the bloc.Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed a deal to construct a gas pipeline that is backed by investors connected to United States President Donald Trump and promises to reduce the country’s dependence on Russian supply.The agreement, signed with neighbouring Croatia on Tuesday at a summit in the city of Dubrovnik, aims to relieve Sarajevo of its reliance on Russian gas, which it needs to do in advance of a European Union ban on energy purchases from Moscow set to take effect next year.Bosnian Prime Minister Borjana Kristo, who signed the deal alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, described it as a “major step forward” that strengthens energy security and diversifies supply.However, the European Union, of which Bosnia is seeking membership, warned that the Southern Interconnection Agreement, as it is formally known, could jeopardise the country’s accession bid and put at risk more than $1bn in aid due to a lack of transparency around the project.Bosnia is in the process of seeking EU membership, meaning it is required to meet obligations for member states, with energy a particularly sensitive issue.Trump has been pushing hard to persuade European countries to dump Russian gas and buy US liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead.Trump connectionsBy connecting Bosnia to Croatia’s LNG terminal on the island of Krk, the pipeline would not only integrate directly into that of the bloc, but also allow US gas to reach a country that currently depends on Russia for its entire supply.Earlier this month, Bosnian lawmakers voted to name US-based AAFS Infrastructure and Energy as the investor and developer of the project.AAFS Infrastructure and Energy is headed by Jesse Binnall, a lawyer who previously worked for Trump and unsuccessfully sought to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss, and Joseph Flynn, the brother of Trump’s former adviser Michael Flynn.Transparency International warned the move set a “dangerous precedent” and risked “seriously undermining the public interest,” by preventing other companies from bidding.The EU’s ambassador to Bosnia, Luigi Soreca, warned in a letter earlier this month that Bosnia must adhere to accession obligations when passing energy sector legislation and that any amendments must be submitted to the bloc for review.The project is estimated to be worth around $1.5bn and would also include the construction of gas-fire...
Croatia, Bosnia sign pipeline deal to reduce dependency on Russia
DUBROVNIK, Croatia — Croatia and Bosnia signed an agreement Tuesday to build a gas pipeline designed to reduce energy dependency on Russia in the volatile Balkans region.
Croatia, Bosnia sign pipeline deal to reduce dependency on Russia
The Southern Interconnection pipeline will link Bosnia with Croatia's gas network and the liquefied natural gas terminal on the Adriatic Sea island of Krk. Bosnia has designated a U.S.-based company, AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, as the project's investor and developer.
