(source: TASR)
Slovak and Bulgarian gas transporters Eustream and Bulgartransgaz signed a memorandum regarding an understanding vis-a-vis the Eastring pipeline in Sofia on June 9, the TASR newswire learnt from Eustream spokesman Pavol Kubík on the same day.
The signing ceremony attended by Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova and Slovak Economy Minister Peter Žiga of Smer represents an important milestone in the effort to connect the gas networks of western and southeastern Europe.
In the memorandum, both transporters declared their intent to support the Eastring pipeline project and agreed to cooperate in the drafting of analyses and evaluations to be used for the later decision-making process regarding the pipeline’s realisation.
The spokesman pointed out that Eastring has acquired the status of a so-called ‘EU project of common interest’. Its completion will allow gas to be supplied from western Europe to the Balkans and further beyond to Turkey.
However, the pipeline will also enable reverse flow from both established as well as alternative sources located in the Caspian Sea area and the Middle East, with an eye towards bolstering the energy security of central and southeastern Europe.
