BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec.28
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is continuing to invest in the energy security of the Western Balkans by providing a €28.9 million investment loan for the construction of the North Macedonia section of the gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Greece, Trend reports with reference to the Bank.
The project will give North Macedonia access to Azerbaijani gas via the Southern Gas Corridor.
“This investment will help to diversify energy sources and the security of energy supply, ensuring socioeconomic development and integration into the regional and EU energy market. The EIB loan complements a €12.4 million grant by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) for technical assistance and project implementation,” said EIB.
The project concerns the construction of a 68 km long gas interconnector section in North Macedonia, starting from the border close to Gevgelija and ending near the town of Negotino. It has been classified as a project of mutual interest by the Energy Community, and is one of the flagship investments outlined in the Economic and Investment Plan that will future-proof the region’s energy supply. The project also benefits from EU-funded technical assistance aiming to develop the core transport and energy networks in the Western Balkans.
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