Bosnia and Herzegovina seeks US investment and gas pipeline access via Croatia

Darijana Filipović, Vice President of the HDZ BiH party, held discussions with US Department of Energy officials in Washington, focusing on strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina's energy sector and its ties with the United States.

The talks centered on opportunities for new American investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina's energy infrastructure, enhancing energy security, and developing new technologies. A significant point of discussion was the Southern Gas Interconnection project, which aims to link Bosnia and Herzegovina's gas network with Croatia's. This connection could provide Bosnia and Herzegovina with access to American liquefied natural gas (LNG) via the LNG terminal on the Croatian island of Krk.

Filipović emphasized the importance of moving from agreements to implementation for the Southern Gas Interconnection. She stated that this project represents an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance its European and Western integration path and solidify its strategic partnership with the US, translating into tangible benefits for its citizens. She also highlighted that energy security is crucial not only for supply but also for economic competitiveness, attracting investment, and creating jobs.

Currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina primarily receives Russian gas through Serbia. The proposed Southern Gas Interconnection would offer a new supply route and diversify the country's energy sources. Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed an intergovernmental agreement for the pipeline's construction earlier in the year, and the Bosnian Council of Ministers has since approved a proposal for its ratification. The pipeline in Bosnia and Herzegovina is slated to be developed by the American company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy.