US urges BiH to break gas gridlock: Trump administration pushes for critical Southern Interconnection

John Ginkel, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in BiH, stated that the stakes are high, emphasising the need for decisive action to ensure energy security. He reiterated the position of the Trump Administration that "every molecule of Russian gas purchased in Europe funds Russia’s war machine."

Looming supply crisis

BiH currently relies exclusively on Russia for its gas supply, which Ginkel warned is "not dependable." With the European Union banning Russian gas and Bulgaria announcing it will stop Russian transit by 2028, BiH faces a looming supply crisis. With only one existing interconnection for imports, the country is ill-equipped to secure alternative gas supplies or book future pipeline capacity.

The proposed Southern Interconnection is presented as the clear solution, enabling BiH to purchase reliable and affordable liquified natural gas (LNG). The project is crucial for deepening BiH’s commercial and strategic ties with secure energy providers, particularly the United States.

US officials, including Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who co-chair the U.S. Energy Dominance Council, discussed the project with senior BiH and Croatian officials at the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) conference in Athens on November 7. They called on all parties to end the political delays and find a compromise.

Consensus on US operator

Ginkel recently met with leaders from the Federation of BiH governing coalition to press his simple message: "Now is the time to end political gridlock and build the Southern Interconnection."

He reported a significant breakthrough, announcing that for the first time in years, the parties found a consensus on a path forward.

"Together we agreed, in principle, that an American company would be best positioned to build, manage, and operate the pipeline in the interests of all residents of the Federation," Ginkel confirmed.

Intensive discussions are planned for the coming weeks to finalise details, with the intention to begin construction next year.

The pipeline's benefits are clear: ensuring families stay warm in winter, providing reliable gas supplies to revitalise businesses in Herzegovina, and ultimately contributing to cleaner air for all residents. The Trump Administration is ready to move quickly to support the project, but Ginkel concluded that the ultimate responsibility lies with BiH's leaders to take this "vital project forward."