Commissaris Piebalgs verwelkomt overeenkomst over Szeged (HO) -Arad(RO) aardgaspijpleiding (en)
Hungary and Romania have agreed to connect their gas systems for security of supply reasons. The completion of the interconnection between the two transmission systems will strengthen regional security of supply, creating a link that is not dependent on a third country. It will spread confidence throughout Central and Eastern Europe and demonstrates that EU states can make practical improvements to their domestic energy security. The line will follow the Arad - Szeged route.
Mr Piebalgs said that "this is a first, concrete step in the direction of an integrated European gas network also in Central-Eastern EU. It will create close a missing interconnection, allowing the development of the internal market and enhance security of supply in the region".
The TSOs of Hungary and Romania, FGSZ Ltd. and Transgaz concluded a Joint Development Agreement for the interconnection of Hungarian and Romanian natural gas transmission systems on the 1st of July. FGSZ will develop the Hungarian pipeline part, whilst Transgaz will develop the Romanian pipeline part. Both Parties shall finance their respective sections of the pipeline from their own resources. After finalizing the development, at the beginning natural gas will be transported from Hungary to Romania through the pipeline, however at a later stage the Parties may contemplate the creation of the technical conditions of the transportation of natural gas from Romania to Hungary through the pipeline.
The two countries, although neighbours, were not yet connected. This new connection will contribute to the development of the market in eastern EU, bring possible diversification of routes and supplies and therefore will increase security of supply in Romania (and possibly Bulgaria). Therefore it is fully in line with the EU's energy policy.