FBiH Government sends amendments to the South Interconnection Law to Parliament, seeking urgent adoption

(Patria) - The FBiH Government has determined and sent to the FBiH Parliament the Bill on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on the "South Interconnection Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia" Gas Pipeline, with a proposal for it to be considered and adopted under urgent procedure.

This is one of the most important infrastructural and energy projects for the Federation of BiH and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which directly affects gas supply security, energy system stability, and overall economic development.

The South Interconnection project is part of a broader strategic initiative for energy diversification in Bosnia and Herzegovina, launched with strong support from international partners, primarily the United States of America.

In this context, discussions were held earlier with political leaders in the Federation of BiH about the need to build a new gas route that would reduce dependence on a single supply source and strengthen the country's energy security.

The amendments to the law also introduce the American investor, the company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy d.o.o., which is registered in Sarajevo and is wholly owned by the American company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy LLC.

This company has sent a Letter of Intent and an offer for the realization of the "South Interconnection Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia" Gas Pipeline construction project.

The Letter of Intent and offer from AAFS confirm serious interest in investing in this strategic project, which aims to further improve the energy security of the FBiH and enable the attraction of foreign investments, while diversifying gas supply sources, the FBiH Government stated.

- The South Interconnection is not a political issue, but a matter of citizens' and the economy's security. The Federation of BiH can no longer afford dependence on a single route and a single supplier.

The proposed amendments remove administrative obstacles, clarify the institutional framework, and accelerate procedures to enable faster and more efficient project implementation - says the Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry, Vedran Lakić.

The South Interconnection provides more secure and stable gas supply, enables diversification of supply sources and routes, reduces dependence on a single supplier, strengthens BiH's connection with the European energy market, and opens up space for new investments.

- Every month of waiting means greater energy vulnerability. That is why we are accelerating processes, removing obstacles, and creating conditions for this project to finally move forward at full capacity - emphasized Minister Lakić.

The amendments to the law further define the rights and obligations of the investor, introduce clear deadlines for the actions of competent institutions, and confirm the project as a public and strategic interest of the Federation of BiH.

- With this law, we are strengthening our energy system, opening up space for new investments, and connecting the Federation of BiH with the European energy market - added Lakić.