Over 40 NGOs oppose Southern Interconnection gas pipeline project

In a joint statement led by the Aarhus Centre and CEE Bankwatch Network, the groups said Western Balkan governments face pressure from the United States to develop new gas infrastructure, including interconnections, LNG terminals and gas-fired power plants, which they argue would increase gas consumption, deepen import dependence and worsen pollution.

Denis Zisko of the Aarhus Centre in BiH criticised regional leaders for seeking favour with US President Donald Trump, warning the project would leave the country dependent on external actors for its energy security and sovereignty.

CEE Bankwatch Network also warned of economic risks, with Pippa Gallop saying new gas pipelines and plants could cost billions and risk becoming stranded assets amid ongoing fossil fuel crises.

The statement noted that Western Balkan countries are less dependent on gas than the EU. Gas accounts for under 3% of total energy consumption in BiH, compared with around 14% in Serbia and about 12% in North Macedonia.

The Southern Interconnection envisages a new gas pipeline linking Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia’s gas system, providing access to the LNG terminal on the northern Adriatic island of Krk, with the aim of diversifying supply routes and reducing reliance on Russian gas. The project also includes expanding the gas network in BiH’s Federation entity, including dozens of kilometres of new pipelines and possible gas-fired power plants.