A delegation from North Macedonia, led by the Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska, together with the team from the Ministry’s Oil and Gas Sector and the leaders of Nomaga, MEMO and MEPSO, stayed in Belgrade at the invitation of the Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Handanović Đurović.
The main focus of the visit was the accelerated implementation of the gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Serbia – a project of strategic importance for regional connectivity and long-term energy security. As the Ministry of Energy informs, the working meeting reviewed the main technical, financial and institutional steps necessary to continue the activities for the construction of the interconnector.
This infrastructure project, with a total length of approximately 67 kilometers (23 km in the territory of North Macedonia and 44 km in Serbia), will connect the gas systems of both countries – on the Macedonian side with a connection in Klečovce, while on the Serbian side with the national gas pipeline network in Vranje.
The World Bank and other commercial banks are also interested in financing, as the interconnector is part of a broader vision for an integrated, diversified and secure regional gas market. According to the agreed dynamics, its construction is expected to be completed in 2027. The first gas is expected to flow through the new pipeline in 2028. The interconnector is also planned to be technically ready for the future transport of hydrogen, in line with European long-term energy objectives and green policies.
Minister Bozhinovska emphasized that the project is progressing according to the dynamics determined and harmonized between the two working groups. “The interconnector with Serbia is a key project that will open our country to new gas sources and strengthen regional energy stability. But this is also one of the most important infrastructure connections for the entire region – important not only for North Macedonia and Serbia, but also for the whole of Europe. We have completed the studies, coordinated routes and coordinated actions that are already being implemented. Our goal is for the interconnector to become a reality as soon as possible, because every day is important for the security of citizens and the economy,” Bozhinovska emphasized.
Serbian Minister Handanović Đurović emphasized the importance of a shared regional vision.
“The gas interconnector with North Macedonia is a project that has significance beyond our borders. It is part of a vision for an energy-connected region, sustainable and in line with European goals. The cooperation with Minister Bozhinovska and the Macedonian team is intensive and constructive. With the support of ‘Transport Gas Serbia’ and ‘Nomagas’, we will create a new energy axis of stability between the two countries. We agreed on regular intensive meetings, so that the interconnector becomes a reality as soon as possible,” the minister said.
The two delegations confirmed their full commitment to intensive coordination and timely fulfillment of all obligations. At the end of the meeting, the joint determination for strong institutional and technical coordination with a clear goal was confirmed – the North Macedonia – Serbia gas interconnector to become a secure, functional, modern energy connection, which will ensure greater security, diversification and regional integration, in the interest of citizens, the economy and the entire region.