North Macedonia aims to become a crucial gas transit hub for Europe, according to Deputy Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Miroslav Labudović.

Labudović, who headed the Macedonian delegation at meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, announced the construction of a new gas pipeline to Greece, connecting to the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline. This connection will provide direct access to alternative supply sources.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that this project will solidify North Macedonia’s role as a dependable partner in European energy strategies.

Meetings with representatives from Azerbaijan, the EU, and numerous countries, financial institutions, and energy companies focused on enhancing cooperation in natural gas, renewable energy, and methane emission reduction.

Labudović stated that gas cooperation with Azerbaijan will significantly reduce dependence and ensure alternative supplies for European market stabilization, adding that North Macedonia is prepared to contribute to the solution.

The Southern Gas Corridor, initiated by the European Commission in 2008, seeks to decrease Europe’s reliance on Russian gas through supply diversification.

The corridor, spanning from Azerbaijan to Europe, includes SCPX, TANAP, and TAP, representing a total investment of approximately 35 billion US dollars, with the Shah Deniz gas field in the Caspian Sea as the primary supply source.