dubrovnik, croatia — DUBROVNIK, Croatia (AP) – croatia And bosnia Signed a deal on Tuesday to build a gas pipeline designed to reduce energy dependence Russia in the unstable Balkan region.
The Southern Interconnection Pipeline will connect Bosnia to Croatia’s gas network and the liquefied natural gas terminal on the Adriatic Sea island of Krk. Bosnia has named a US-based company, AAFS Infrastructure & Energy, as the investor and developer of the project.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Chairman of Bosnia’s Council of Ministers Borjana Kristo signed the agreement in the presence of the US Energy Secretary. chris wright On the sidelines of the summit of the countries of the Baltic, Black and Adriatic regions.
Plenkovic said on social media that the gas pipeline would help diversify supply: “We are strengthening energy security and independence… which is especially important in these challenging global conditions.”
Christo called it “a big day for both countries.”
Bosnia currently imports practically all of its gas from Russia through pipelines running through neighboring Serbia and Bulgaria via the TurkStream route.
Local media have reported that new gas pipeline investment could reach $1.5 billion.
The US delegation also included Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker, who told a panel that the US could help “reduce energy dependence on Russia and promote economic development in the region.”
Separately, investment group Pantheon Atlas LLC announced plans to develop a 50 billion euro ($58 billion) “hyperscale AI data center and innovation campus” in Croatia. A letter of intent was signed with Konkar Group of Croatia as the local partner.
