EU: Serbia can build South Stream

EU will not interfere with the construction of the South Stream section through Serbia but the gas pipeline will be put into operation when aligned with EU laws, EC has announced today.

- Serbia is not EU member and therefore we cannot ask to suspend the construction of South Stream as we did in the case of Bulgaria - Marlene Holcner, spokesman for the commissionaire for energy, Gunte Etinger, reacting at Gazprom’s announcement that the construction of the section through Serbia will start in October, said.

She however outlined that gas pipeline which partly passes through EU already will not be put into operation until aligned with EU regulations.

When asked whether gas pipeline construction could affect Serbia’s negotiation process of Joining EU, spokesman of the commissioner for expansion Stefan File, Peter Stano, answered that South Stream issue will get to a table when negotiation chapter on energy opens which is not expected this year.

- The chapter will not be closed as long as all energy-related issues are aligned with EU standards- he pointed out.