Commercial operation of a long-delayed gas pipeline between Greece and Bulgaria has commenced, helping to reduce southeast Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and increase energy security.
The 182-km pipeline will provide relief to Bulgaria, which has been struggling to secure sufficient gas supplies following Russia’s decision in April to cut off deliveries over Sofia’s refusal to make payments in rubles.
Russia has reduced gas deliveries across Europe in retaliation to western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine, sending European Union countries scrambling to secure alternative supplies amid surging prices.
“This pipeline is a game changer. It’s a game changer for Bulgaria and for Europe’s energy security. And it means freedom. It means freedom from dependency on Russian gas,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, speaking at an inauguration ceremony in Sofia attended by the leaders of Bulgaria, Greece, Azerbaijan, Romania, Serbia and North Macedonia.
“Both here in Bulgaria and across Europe people are feeling the consequences of Russia’s war. But thanks to projects like this, Europe will have enough gas for the winter,” she said.
The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) pipeline will transport 1 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Azeri gas to Bulgaria.
With an initial capacity of 3 bcm per year and plans to later raise this to 5 bcm, the pipeline could also provide gas to several neighboring countries in the future, including Ukraine.