US Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Michael Murphy on Wednesday called on the authorities in the Croat-Bosniak Federation entity to start implementing the Southern Gas Interconnection project, explaining that it is of key importance for energy security against a backdrop of Russian threats.

Addressing an energy forum in the coastal town of Neum, the diplomat said that Bosnia and Herzegovina must urgently find answers to questions concerning the energy transition as well as to threats stemming from Russia's influence and blackmailing when it comes to the natural gas provision.

Diversifying energy sources is urgent to avoid Russia's influence, Murphy said.

He called for the speedy implementation of the project of interconnecting the BiH gas network with Croatia's gas supply system from Zagvozd towards Posušje, southern BiH.

It is now time for action, said the ambassador.

Bosnia and Herzegovina currently can procure gas supply solely from the pipeline coming from Serbia.

Considering the new project, the dispute arose from the question of whether the existing Sarajevo-based BH Gas company or a newly established company, to be headquartered in Mostar, should be tasked with the implementation of the project.

German Ambassador to BiH, Thomas Fitschen, confirmed that his country was directly interested in the energy security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire Western Balkans.

He said at the Neum forum that Germany has offered cooperation to the countries in this region through a project of energy and climate partnership, worth €1.5 billion until 2030.