Plans for a new gas interconnection between Serbia and North Macedonia are moving forward, but the timeline suggests a later completion than previously anticipated. According to recent Government statements, the pipeline is now expected to become operational at the beginning of 2028, reflecting a revised implementation schedule for this strategic infrastructure project.
Construction activities are scheduled to start in 2026, marking the first major step in developing the interconnector. Earlier projections had pointed to a possible completion in 2027, but updated expectations indicate a slight delay, highlighting the challenges often associated with large-scale cross-border energy developments and permitting processes.
Once finalized, the interconnector will have an annual capacity of around 1.5 billion cubic meters and will extend further south toward Greece. This route is intended to provide access to alternative gas sources, including supplies from the Trans-Anatolian (TANAP) pipeline as well as liquefied natural gas delivered through Greek terminals, thereby enhancing supply diversification.
The project is part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on a limited number of supply routes and improve regional resilience. Authorities emphasize that stronger regional integration is essential for achieving long-term energy security, particularly in a context of evolving global gas markets and geopolitical uncertainty.
In this framework, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria are working to deepen coordination, with a focus on infrastructure development and information exchange. Closer cooperation among these countries is seen as a key factor in strengthening the overall energy system resilience across southeastern Europe.
Serbia has already taken steps to secure future supplies, including booking long-term gas capacity at the Greek LNG terminal in Alexandroupoli, where it has reserved 300 million cubic meters annually for a decade. This move supports its broader strategy of integrating into regional LNG and pipeline networks while ensuring more stable and flexible access to gas supplies.
