Schmidt, Kabiri, Čović and other games: Energy policies in the hands of lobbyists

By Almir Bečarević

According to media reports, the High Representative visited the Abraham Group and its leader Amir Gross Kabiri during the Davis Cup tournament in Mostar. Nothing would be strange if Christian Schmidt had visited the Aluminum Combine and its expelled workers, and supported them in their fight for their labor rights.

The High Representative chose the wealthy Kabiri, who is building his empire on the ruins of Mostar's Aluminij, for which he still needs a few details, and that is why this meeting took place.

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CONNECTIONS BROKEN DUE TO CROATIAN INTERCONNECTION Čović's appointee to head BH-Gas for realization of 'national interests'

By A. Čorbo-Zećo It was a long time ago, in 2017, when the Government of FBiH at its 106th session held on June 15, 2017, unanimously adopted a Conclusion tasking BH-Gas to intensify activities on the Southern Interconnection project. For

The Abraham Group, in its development plans, has outlined the construction of a solar park and a gas power plant, and is now seeking approval to participate in the financing and construction of the Southern Interconnection. Natural gas is not a problem for this interconnection, as it would be supplied via the KRK LNG Terminal, originating from Israel. A gas power plant is necessary for balancing the system for the needs of both Aluminij and EPHZHB. This is the beginning of the creation of the energy sector of the former HZHB.

At the same time, the energy regulator based in Mostar has been given the authority to regulate all energy activities, including natural gas.

Let's look at the situation on the ground:

The Southern and Eastern gas interconnections are dormant, and apart from talk, there are no other activities. Neither of them can pass the Presidency of BiH without a Gas Law at the BiH level. This is the stance of Presidency members Željko Komšić and Denis Bećirović. The law should introduce novelties into the legal system of this part of the energy sector through a gas regulator. This regulator should be responsible for the areas of gas transport, trade, development projects, etc.

Since it is difficult to expect the law to pass the parliamentary procedure, it means that time is not on the side of the Abraham Group or the plans of that group. Electricity is needed as soon as possible, and with it, the expansion of Aluminij's capacities.

Advocates of the idea, we have them in the physical education group, would allow everything this group asks for, but on the other hand, we have those who understand the intentions and why a state gas law is needed, as well as the fact that only BH-Gas must be the one to secure funds and build the Southern Interconnection.

Schmidt is now suitable for lobbying in the development of the Abraham Group into the energy sector of electricity production and gas trade and transport.

Wake up Bosniaks, and also Bosnians and Herzegovinians, energy is one of the pillars of the state, and therefore development in the energy sector YES, but through state companies that will contribute to equal access to energy sources.

Almir Bečarević is an energy expert and advisor to the former director of BH-Gas