Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing important decisions regarding its energy future as it remains fully dependent on Russian gas, a supply that has become increasingly unreliable. The European Union is moving to ban Russian gas from its single market, and Bulgaria plans to halt the transit of Russian gas through its territory by 2028. This will require Bosnia and Herzegovina to find new sources of natural gas at a time when neighboring countries are also seeking alternatives.
Currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina has only one interconnection for importing gas, which limits its ability to secure alternative supplies or reserve pipeline capacity. One proposed solution is the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline, which would enable the country to access liquified natural gas (LNG) from more reliable suppliers. This project aims to improve energy security and strengthen commercial ties with partners such as the United States.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. Energy Dominance Council, discussed this issue with senior officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) conference in Athens on November 7. They emphasized the need for compromise to advance the pipeline project and urged all parties involved to resolve delays.
"This week, I met with leaders from the Federation of BiH governing coalition. My message was simple: Now is the time to end political gridlock and build the Southern Interconnection," a U.S. official stated. "And for the first time in many years, we found consensus on a path forward. Together we agreed, in principle, that an American company would be best positioned to build, manage, and operate the pipeline in the interests of all residents of the Federation. We will have intensive discussions over the next weeks to flesh out the details, and with the intention to have construction begin next year."
The Southern Interconnection project is being promoted as essential for meeting household heating needs during winter months, supporting businesses in revitalizing cities like those in Herzegovina, creating jobs, and improving air quality—particularly benefiting children and elderly citizens.
"Washington wants to strengthen the U.S.-BiH partnership and is looking for bold action to advance this critical project that will secure BiH’s economic future," said another statement from U.S. officials. "The Trump Administration is ready to move quickly to support the Southern Interconnection. It is now up to BiH’s leaders to take this vital project forward. Let’s work together to take it across the finish line."
The initiative comes amid broader efforts by Western nations—including recent moves by Bulgaria—to reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies across Europe.