Gas pipeline with Croatia critical for BiH energy security
The Vice President of HDZ BiH, Darijana Filipović, stated that the party is ready to engage in talks with the US administration about the construction of a gas pipeline that would connect Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) with Croatia even though the party was not invited to meeting organized by the US diplomats, CE Report quotes FENA.
Filipović emphasized that the construction of the gas pipeline is a critical infrastructure project for Bosnia and Herzegovina, both for ensuring energy security and for aligning with broader European energy strategies. "We are committed to supporting projects that enhance our country's connectivity and energy independence, regardless of the political dynamics involved," she stated.
The proposed pipeline, which would connect BiH to Croatia's gas network, is seen as a strategic move to reduce the region's dependence on Russian gas and to diversify its energy sources. It is expected to link to Croatia’s LNG terminal on Krk Island, providing access to global liquefied natural gas supplies.
Filipović expressed disappointment that HDZ BiH was not invited to the meeting but reiterated the party's willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders. "Energy infrastructure is above politics. Our focus should be on ensuring that this project serves the interests of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina," she said, calling for a united approach across political entities within the country.
The meeting, organized by US diplomats, brought together key political and economic actors to discuss energy diversification in the Western Balkans. Reports suggest that the focus was on securing international financial and technical support for the gas pipeline, as well as navigating regulatory and political hurdles.
While the pipeline project has gained traction among some political leaders, it has also faced opposition, particularly from factions that view it as favoring certain regions or entities within BiH. Critics have called for a more balanced energy strategy that benefits the entire country equally.
US diplomats have urged BiH leaders to prioritize collaboration on energy projects, emphasizing that the pipeline could significantly bolster economic development and regional stability. They also highlighted the importance of aligning BiH’s energy policies with EU standards to facilitate closer integration with the bloc.
The next round of discussions is expected to involve broader participation from political representatives and technical experts, with the aim of finalizing a roadmap for the project by mid-2024.
