site.btaGas-transmission Operators of Bulgaria, Slovakia to Cooperate in Implementation of Balkan Natural Gas Hub

Gas-transmission Operators of Bulgaria, Slovakia to Cooperate in Implementation of Balkan Natural Gas Hub

Sofia, November 4 (BTA) - Bulgartransgaz EAD and the Slovakian eustream a.s. will work together in improving the security of natural gas supplies in Central and Southeastern Europe and the implementation of the infrastructure projects for the Balkan gas hub and the Eastring gas pipeline, according to a memorandum of understanding signed Friday between the two operators in the presence of Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenouzhka Petkova, Petkova's Ministry said in a press release.

Bulgartransgaz and eustream will prepare a concept for the development of the future Balkan gas hub in view of the Eastring project. The sides will analyze in detail and consider the technical opportunities for the coordinated implementation of the two projects.

The document affirms the connection between the two projects. The Eastring pipeline will serve as a priority western route for the interconnector links of the regional markets and the Balkan gas hub. The memorandum provides for support for the inclusion in the two projects of other interested parties, so as to guarantee the security of gas supplies in Central and Southeastern Europe.

Bulgartransgaz and eustream will exchange information about the projects, know-how and good practices, in line with the existing policies and regional initiatives of the EU following the principles for developing a single European gas market.

The two companies will also promote the competitiveness and the liberalization of the single gas market. Special mention is made of the common regional goal and need to develop an interconnected gas-transmission infrastructure.