The Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector, a vital gas pipeline project funded by the European Union, has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in regional energy security and efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Bulgaria and Serbia, Rumen Radev and Alexandar Vucic, along with EU Ambassador to Serbia Emanuele Giofre and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

The 170-kilometer pipeline, connecting the Serbian city of Nis with Bulgaria's capital Sofia, has a declared carrying capacity of 1.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. Emanuele Giofre emphasized the strategic importance of this infrastructure, linking Bulgaria, Serbia, and the European Union. The EU's strong support for the project is aimed at diversifying energy sources for Serbia, ultimately reducing its reliance on Russian gas.

The completion of the Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector aligns with broader efforts to enhance energy cooperation and security in the region. Azerbaijan stands to benefit as a supplier, with a recent agreement signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and JP Srbijagas for the delivery of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas annually to Serbia. This move signifies Azerbaijan's role in diversifying the European gas market, with Serbia becoming the eighth country to subscribe to Azerbaijani gas.

The interconnector enables the transportation of gas from Azerbaijan to Serbia, contributing to Serbia's goal of reducing dependency on Russian gas. This development follows Serbia's adoption of a decision to prioritize the construction of an oil pipeline project with Hungary, further diversifying its supply routes and enhancing energy security.

In light of geopolitical considerations and the EU's push for Serbia to diversify its gas market away from Russia, the Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector emerges as a crucial regional priority project. The European Commission's funding of the pipeline underscores its significance in enabling Serbia to diversify gas supplies, reduce import dependence on Russian gas, and establish alternative supply routes in South-East Europe.

The pipeline's inauguration represents a step towards achieving regional energy resilience and aligns with the European Union's commitment to supporting the Western Balkans in their journey towards sustainable energy practices. The EU's focus on energy investments in the region is part of broader efforts to enhance stability and peace in the Western Balkans.