The House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's (FBiH) Parliament has approved the proposed Southern Interconnection Gas Pipeline law, connecting Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia. The bill passed with 76 votes in favor, 5 abstentions, and 14 votes against.

The legislation, presented under urgent procedure, was initially proposed by the SDA party, which also accepted amendments submitted by Nasa Stranka. The law designates BH-Gas as the project implementer, aligning with the framework of the 2021 proposal developed in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy. Earlier on Thursday, the US Embassy issued a statement emphasizing, “Lawmakers face a clear choice—support the citizens of BiH or vote for Russia.”

Opposition to the bill came from representatives of Croat parties, including HDZ BiH, HSSSR, HSS, HSP BiH, HKDU, HSPAS, HDU, HSPHB, HRAST, and HNL.

The bill now moves to the FBiH House of Peoples for consideration, where challenges are anticipated. HDZ BiH remains firmly opposed to the current proposal, advocating for the establishment of a new gas company headquartered in Mostar to manage the pipeline.

The Southern Interconnection project envisions a gas pipeline stretching 180 kilometers along the route Zagvozd (Croatia)–Posusje (BiH)–Tomislavgrad–Suica–Kupres–Bugojno–Novi Travnik/Travnik, with a branch to Mostar. The project, valued at approximately €100 million, would link Bosnia to Croatia's gas network, enhancing energy security and diversifying supply sources.

The pipeline would integrate with Bosnia and Herzegovina's existing gas infrastructure, connecting Travnik, Zenica, Visoko, Sarajevo, and the country's eastern regions.

Following the vote, the SDA caucus requested a 20-minute recess.