Serbia is currently assessing the potential construction of a gas pipeline that would connect it to Croatia, specifically targeting the LNG terminal on Krk. This initiative is projected to require an investment of approximately €60 million and could be completed by 2031, as indicated by official planning documents. The renewed interest in this project follows recent confirmations from Croatian officials regarding their plans for a connection towards Serbia, which has garnered attention from Serbian authorities.
Despite including the Croatia interconnector in its strategic energy plans, Serbia has designated it as a lower priority compared to gas links with Romania and North Macedonia. The national energy infrastructure development plan, which extends through 2028 and projects into 2030, mirrors this focus by listing the Croatia connection alongside its cost estimate and timeline.
The proposed Serbian segment of the pipeline is expected to stretch around 95 kilometers, commencing from the Gospodjinci hub and extending to the border near Backo Novi Selo. While Serbian authorities have confirmed that this project is under review, they are proceeding with caution due to past challenges associated with oil transit through JANAF. Analysts have noted that while enhancing interconnections may bolster energy security, the Krk terminal’s capacity is limited to 6 billion cubic meters per year. This existing capacity serves not only Croatia but also Hungary, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which raises concerns about the volume available for Serbia’s needs.
Furthermore, while diversification of energy sources is generally viewed as advantageous if costs remain manageable, evaluations suggest that gas sourced from Krk may not significantly enhance Serbia’s overall supply balance. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) tends to be relatively expensive, and any surplus from the Krk terminal is primarily intended for resale rather than direct supply enhancement for Serbia.
Current assessments advocate for Serbia to adhere to its established gas infrastructure strategy. The connection with Romania—leveraging production from the Black Sea—is considered more strategically viable. Additionally, a link with North Macedonia would provide an alternative route in conjunction with Bulgaria towards the larger-capacity LNG terminal located in Alexandroupoli. Presently, TurkStream continues to serve as Serbia’s principal source of gas, effectively meeting domestic demand at competitive costs while relying on robust infrastructure. There remains skepticism regarding Europe’s long-term capability to completely phase out reliance on Russian gas supplies.
Official estimates indicate that constructing the interconnector with Romania will cost around €12 million, while the planned link with North Macedonia is projected at approximately €42 million.
