Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 5 / Trend /
The European Commission has approved requested financial aid to construct gas pipeline connecting Bulgaria with Greece and Romania, Sofia News Agency reported with reference to the Bulgarian ministry of economy, energy and transport.
The European Commission has approved allocation of grant worth 45 million euro to construct a pipeline connecting gas systems of Bulgaria and Greece.
Moreover, the European Commission has confirmed allocation of 200 million euro to support Nabucco gas pipeline.
The European Commission's decision will be considered at the meeting of EU energy ministerial council on Dec. 7.
A decision to finance construction of connecting pipeline between Bulgaria and Greece, as well as Bulgaria and Romania was made to increase EU energy security.
Bulgaria is one of Nabucco gas pipeline project participants to transport gas from the Caspian region and Middle East to EU countries.
Construction of gas pipeline is planned to be launched in 2011, the first supplies - in 2014.
Maximal capacity of pipeline will hit 31 billion cubic meters per year.
The cost of the project is 7.9 billion euro.