Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó told national TV channel M1 on Thursday that Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovakia have agreed on regional gas supply cooperation. In terms of the agreement, the countries will connect their pipeline networks and make them suitable for reverse-flow supplies.

The Minister emphasised that the agreement will increase the energy security of all four participating countries significantly. He added that energy security is the most urging issue in Europe, “and this is especially true for Central Europe”.

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In light of the fact that plans for the Nabucco and South Stream pipelines have been dropped, countries in the region need to find new gas sources and supply routes, Mr. Szijjártó said.

“We cannot speak of energy security in Central Europe, as long as pipeline networks of the region are not connected and no large-scale strategic pipeline investment is implemented”, Mr. Szijjártó stressed.

He added that signatories to the deal will jointly apply for European Union funds to supplement their own budgets for the construction. He noted that improving energy security in the region was in line with the interests of the whole European community.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)