Croatia has renewed focus on regional energy cooperation by proposing the construction of a gas interconnection with Serbia that would provide Serbia with access to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the Croatian island of Krk, in a move officials say would strengthen energy security in Southeast Europe. Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar outlined the plan during the “Energetika 2026 – Croatia at the Decisions of a Decade” conference, describing the project as a step toward reinforced supply stability across the region. Serbia has expressed interest in the interconnection, and discussions are expected to continue among the relevant authorities.
Serbian Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović commented that while the interconnection represents an important alternative supply route, formal agreements on intent and construction still need to be negotiated and agreed. The proposed interconnector would link the Croatian and Serbian gas systems, potentially involving the construction of about 15 kilometres of pipeline for an initial capacity segment, according to Croatian officials. Croatia already plays a significant role in regional energy infrastructure thanks to its LNG terminal on Krk, which has contributed to reducing dependence on traditional pipeline gas sources.
The conversation around the interconnection has been influenced by shifts in ownership of Serbia’s oil and gas company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), which has recently been sold to the Hungarian company MOL. This sale has revived geopolitical discussions on energy ties in the Western Balkans, with some Croatian stakeholders viewing closer cooperation as a way to balance changing influences in regional energy markets. The proposed gas link is part of broader efforts to enhance energy resilience and diversify supply routes, although formal planning and agreements are still in progress.
