FBiH Prime Minister, US envoy discuss importance of Southern Interconnection

"The interlocutors discussed the commitment of the United States to making progress on the Southern Interconnection project, as an opportunity to advance our shared security and prosperity," US Embassy said.

The focus on the Southern Interconnection comes as Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a critical energy crossroad, a point recently highlighted by John Ginkel, Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in BiH, in an opinion piece.

BiH currently relies 100% on Russia for its gas supply, a source described by Ginkel as unreliable. The country's energy vulnerability is compounded by regional developments.

"The European Union is banning Russian gas on its single market, and Bulgaria has announced that it will stop the transit of Russian gas across its territory by 2028. When that happens, BiH will need a new source of gas while its neighbors scramble to do the same," Ginkel emphasized.

With only one existing interconnection for gas imports, BiH will struggle to secure alternative supplies or reserve pipeline capacity.

Ginkel concluded that the solution is clear: the South Interconnection gas pipeline, which offers a path to diversified and reliable energy supplies, crucial for the long-term security and economic outlook of Bosnia and Herzegovina.