European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson attended the inauguration of a gas interconnector between Greece and Bulgaria (IGB) in Sofia on Saturday 1 October, welcoming the completion of a project that is expected to enhance the region’s energy supply security.
“This pipeline is a game changer for Bulgaria and for Europe’s energy security. It means freedom from dependency on Russian gas”, said Ms von der Leyen, noting that Bulgaria used to receive 80% of its gas from Russia.
With a capacity of three billion cubic metres per year (south to north), this interconnection will allow gas to be transported from the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline and Greece to Bulgaria and neighbouring countries.
According to the Commission President, it could cover all of Bulgaria’s gas consumption.
The project has received €45 million from the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) and €39 million from the Structural Funds under the ‘Innovations and Competitiveness’ Operational Programme. (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)