Open Letter from 'Guardians of Bosnia' on Southern Interconnection: Key Questions Unanswered Before FBiH Representatives

(Patria) - The association “Guardians of Bosnia” has sent an open letter to the presidents of party clubs in the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressing serious concern regarding the proposed amendments to the Law on the Southern Interconnection.

In their address to the representatives, “Guardians of Bosnia” emphasize that the proposed amendments have raised a series of important questions concerning their justification, the transparency of the decision-making process, as well as potential long-term consequences for the energy system, sovereignty, and economic interests of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We highlight that this issue arises at a time when energy security is becoming one of the key strategic issues, not only at the regional but also at the global level. Precisely because of this, we believe that the adoption of such important legal solutions must be based on full responsibility, with respect for the professional public and in the interest of all citizens.

“Guardians of Bosnia” call on the representatives to ask key questions before making a decision on the proposed amendments to the Law, and to assess, based on objective and transparent answers, whether the proposed solution truly benefits the state, the entity, the cantons, and the citizens, or opens the door to potentially harmful consequences.

The statement further emphasizes that, although the Southern Interconnection represents a strategically important project for Bosnia and Herzegovina, no project should take priority over the interests of the state. The association warns that, according to some experts, there are indications that this project is increasingly being attributed a character that transcends state interests, which requires additional caution and responsible action from all decision-makers.

The association “Guardians of Bosnia” states that it will continue to actively monitor this process and insist on transparency, accountability, and the protection of public interest.

QUESTIONS

Why was the concept of BH-Gas realizing the investment abandoned? Is Dragan Čović so politically influential that all Bosniak/Bosnian parties are complying with this demand?

Gas transport is a public service, as is the case with Elektroprijenos BiH. Why is this activity now being handed over to a private company with no references in the gas sector?

The contract to be signed within 30 days – will it be a concession, a public-private partnership, or some third model? The current law does not provide answers to these questions.

Why are amendments to the law being adopted without a prior feasibility study, which would include an assessment of costs, gas price, and a projection of electricity price (kWh) from thermal power plants?

Why is a law being proposed that names a specific private company? Is this creating a dangerous legal precedent?

Why is state land along the pipeline route practically being ceded without compensation, land that is under a disposal ban? Is a legal precedent also being made here?

Will every private project be realizable in the same way in the future – through law, with direct land allocation?

If the law applies to a specific private company, does this violate competition rules? Why are other established companies not allowed to apply and participate in the construction of the gas pipeline?

What will be the security for the loan to be provided by AAFS? This issue must be clearly defined in the conclusions accompanying the law, as the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina must not be allowed to guarantee the loan with its property or budget.

Why is the Kladanj–Tuzla gas pipeline included in the law when it has no direct connection to the Southern Interconnection project? BH-Gas can also realize that project.

Will the Posušje - Novi Travnik section also be bidirectional?

Why are amendments to the currently valid Law on the Interconnection of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia being made at all? Are these amendments necessary?

What impact can this investment have on the problem of state property management?

To whom will the gas pipeline be handed over for management after the concession expires (which is not even mentioned in the law)? To BH Gas, Čović’s company, or A.G. Kabirija’s company?