Skopje 13 December 2025 (MIA) - Macedonian delegation, headed by Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska, along with the oil and gas sector team and executives from Nomagas, MEMO, and MEPSO, visited Belgrade at the invitation of Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović.

The main focus of the visit was the accelerated implementation of the gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Serbia, a project of strategic importance for regional connectivity and long-term energy security.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the working meeting reviewed the key technical, financial, and institutional steps needed to continue activities for the construction of the interconnector. This infrastructure project, with a total length of approximately 67 kilometers (23 km in North Macedonia and 44 km in Serbia), will connect the gas systems of both countries—on the Macedonian side near Klechovce, and in Serbia to the national gas network near Vranje.

There is interest in financing from the World Bank and other commercial banks, as the interconnector is part of a broader vision for an integrated, diversified, and secure regional gas market. According to the agreed timeline, its construction is expected to be completed during 2027. The first gas is anticipated to flow through the new pipeline in 2028. The interconnector is also designed to be technically ready for future hydrogen transport, in line with long-term European energy goals and green policies.

Bozhinovska underscored that the project is progressing according to the agreed timeline between the two working groups.

“The interconnector with Serbia is a key project that will open our country to new gas sources and strengthen regional energy stability. It is also one of the most important infrastructure links for the entire region, not only for North Macedonia and Serbia, but for Europe as a whole. We have completed studies, an agreed route, and coordinated action already underway. Our goal is for the interconnector to become a reality as soon as possible, because every day matters for the security of our citizens and the economy,” Bozhinovska stated.

Serbian Minister Đedović Handanović emphasized the importance of a shared regional vision.

“The gas interconnector with North Macedonia is a project that extends beyond our borders. It is part of a vision for a region that is energy-connected, stable, and aligned with European goals. Cooperation with Minister Bozhinovska and the Macedonian team has been intensive and constructive. With support from Transportgas Serbia and Nomagas, we will create a new energy axis of stability between the two countries. We have agreed on regular intensive meetings to ensure that the interconnector becomes a reality as soon as possible,” she said.

Both delegations confirmed their full commitment to intensive coordination and the timely fulfillment of all obligations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint determination was reaffirmed for strong institutional and technical coordination with a clear goal: for the North Macedonia-Serbia gas interconnector to become a functional, modern, and secure energy link that will provide greater security, diversification, and regional integration, in the interest of citizens, the economy, and the entire region.

Among those in the delegation led by Minister Bozhinovska were Nomagas Director Nedim Rama, MEPSO Deputy Director Aleksandar Paunovski, MEMO Director Zoran Gjorgjievski, and Goran Nikolovski, Head of the Oil and Gas Sector at the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources