Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy, prof. Zorana Mihajlovic, Ph.D, met with Matteo Rivellini, Head of the Western Balkans Division at the European Investment Bank (EIB), and discussed with him the continuation of cooperation in the mining and energy sector, ongoing and potential new projects, the energy crisis in Europe and plans for improving energy security in Serbia and the region.
Mihajlovic pointed out that the EIB is a very important partner for Serbia, recalling that since 2001 this bank has provided funds in the amount of 4.9 billion euros for projects in Serbia.
“Your support and help are highly significant for us, we achieved a lot together in the previous ministry, in the field of transport infrastructure, and I believe that we can be even more successful in the energy and mining sector.”
“In addition to current projects, such as the construction of the Serbia-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector, connectivity in the gas sector is one of our priorities. Not only with Bulgaria, but also with other countries, North Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Romania. We want to have various gas suppliers in the future, because that is the only way to be safe, stable and secure. We are doing everything in our power to ensure sufficient amounts of energy and energy sources for the upcoming winter season, and at the same time we are working to ensure long-term energy stability and security, not only for Serbia, but for the entire region. We created the foundation by changing the legislative framework, which represents the basis for investments, primarily in capacities for the generation of power from RES,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
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During the meeting, in which the representatives of “Elektroprivreda Srbije”, “Elektrodistribucija Srbije” and “Srbijagas” also took part, it was also talked about gas supply, storage capacities, recommendations of the Ministry for reducing consumption, projects implemented in the field of improving energy efficiency, as well as about the current energy crisis.
“It is always easy to discuss specific projects with you, as shown by the many projects we implemented together, despite all the obstacles we encountered. Owing to your responsibility and dedication we managed to be efficient.” I am sure that, besides the construction of the Serbia-Bulgaria Interconnector, we are otherwise proud to finance that project, which is especially important today, considering the situation in the whole of Europe, there are other projects and long-term plans we can work on, such as the modernization of the distribution and transmission networks, improving energy efficiency, the green agenda, but also to cooperate more closely and work together to overcome all the challenges imposed by the energy crisis,” said Matteo Rivellini, Head of the Division for the Western Balkans.
Source: Ministry of Mining and Energy
