EU Fears Increased Dependence on American Gas in Western Balkans

The European Union is expressing concerns over the increased influence of American energy companies in the Western Balkans, particularly in Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These countries are seeking to purchase large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US or build infrastructure to import it, citing a need for gas as a transitional fuel while reducing imports of Russian energy and coal consumption.

EU officials, however, question the necessity of these projects, given that there is little demand for gas in these countries. They fear that increased gas imports could jeopardize the EU's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

According to Politico, András Hujber from the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission stated at a forum in Vienna that these agreements could go beyond replacing Russian gas supplies and contribute to increased emissions in the region. He emphasized that the countries have committed to decarbonization and the gradual abandonment of fossil fuels.

The construction of the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline, which would supply Bosnia and Herzegovina with natural gas via the LNG terminal on Krk, has been accompanied by controversy after the parliament adopted a law designating the American company AAFS as the main operator. The EU Commission plans to 'take further steps' regarding this project.

Internal EU correspondence confirms these concerns, pointing to a lack of transparency and risks associated with gasification. Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, emphasized the importance of ensuring competition, fairness, and transparency in the energy market.