Gas operators sign memorandum on Eastring pipeline

Slovak and Bulgarian gas operators Eustream and Bulgartransgaz inked a memorandum of understanding over the Eastring pipeline in Sofia on Thursday, Eustream spokesman Pavol Kubik said.

According to Kubik, the signing ceremony attended by Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova and Slovak Economy Minister Peter Ziga represents an important milestone in the effort to connect gas networks of western and southeastern Europe.

In the memorandum, both transporters declared their intent to support the Eastring pipeline project and agreed to cooperate in the drafting of analyses and evaluations to realize the project.

"Eastring has acquired the status of so-called EU project of common interest. Its completion will allow gas to be supplied from Western Europe to Balkans and further beyond to Turkey," said Kubik.

However, the pipeline will enable also reverse flow from both established as well as alternative sources located in the Caspian Sea area and the Middle East, with an eye towards bolstering energy security of the Central and Southeastern Europe, he added. Endite