Construction of the gas pipeline to Greece has commenced, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure and geopolitical standing. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced the project’s advancement, highlighting its potential to transform the nation into a key player in regional gas transit.

Mickoski emphasized that his government inherited a project stalled for seven years. He explained that previous administrations had developed specifications that failed to meet lender criteria, leading to the project’s near termination. The current government acted swiftly to rectify the issues in collaboration with the new management of “Noma gas.”

Revised tender documentation was completed, a contract was signed with a contractor, and construction is currently underway. Mickoski expressed his anticipation for the project’s completion, inviting everyone to witness firsthand its importance.

The Prime Minister underscored the bidirectional nature of the pipeline, contrasting it with the unidirectional pipeline from Bulgaria. This bidirectional capability, combined with the anticipated construction of a northern interconnector with Serbia, positions the country strategically on the gas transit map.

Mickoski envisions the nation becoming a crucial hub for gas transit from sources such as the Alexandroupolis terminal, Azerbaijan, and Qatar to Central Europe. This development would significantly enhance the country’s geo-strategic importance. He has set the completion of the project as a personal goal within his four-year mandate.