Following the construction of the interconnector with Bulgaria, Serbia continues to diversify its supply routes, and the gas link with North Macedonia is a priority in that context, according to Đedović Handanović.
Serbia’s portion of the interconnector will be 144 kilometers long and will cost an estimated EUR 153 million to build, she said. The plan is to obtain a construction permit in mid-2026 and launch works immediately afterward, she added.
Serbia’s portion of the pipeline will cost EUR 153 million
The planned route on Serbia’s territory is Orljane – Leskovac – Vranje – the North Macedonian border, according to her.
Fully diversified supply routes
“The capacity of the gas interconnector with Bulgaria is 1.8 billion cubic meters per year, and with the completion of the interconnector with North Macedonia, as well as the planned interconnector with Romania, whose capacity will be between 1.6 and 2.5 billion cubic meters, we will have fully diversified gas supply within the next few years,” said Đedović Handanović.
The goal is to have as many supply options as possible, not to depend on a single supplier, and to ensure greater security and a better negotiating position in terms of prices and capacity, she added.
Božinovska, for her part, said the interconnector with Serbia would ensure new gas sources for North Macedonia and strengthen regional energy stability.
Božinovska: The gas link is one of the most important regional infrastructure projects
“This is also one of the most important regional infrastructure projects – important not only for North Macedonia and Serbia, but for all of Europe. With this new energy link, both countries will gain access to alternative sources and routes, and Europe will get a stronger and better connected Balkans,” Božinovska asserted.
The two countries have completed the necessary studies, agreed on the route, ensured the European Union’s support, and defined a clear implementation timeline, according to her.
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