"This is a project of interest to the entire state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, not just the Federation of BiH. Colleagues from the SDA tried to shift responsibility to the current FBiH Government because the project was not implemented earlier, so I had to remind them that the SDA-led FBiH Government, headed by Fadil Novalić, failed to even adopt a law in eight years, let alone implement it," he stated.
He further said that this government, in less than three years, has secured the adoption of a law whose implementation is now beginning.
"Today, we depend exclusively on the Russian regime gas of aggressor Putin and have no alternative. Considering that the EU plans to halt the flow of Russian gas by the end of 2027, this project is even more significant. Concerns about why the investor's name is mentioned in the law should not particularly worry us because there is no other interested potential partner willing to enter this project and secure at least 600 million BAM for something that is, above all, our strategic interest. I am glad that, ultimately, this is a project supported by both the ruling and opposition parties, and that is truly good news. Finally, we are coming together for something in the common interest of all of us," said Mašić.
He adds that the implementation of the project will largely depend on cantons and municipalities, but also that everyone must do what they can to ensure this important project is not halted by bureaucracy and administration.
"Therefore, the SDP Club proposed, and the FBiH Parliament adopted, a conclusion: the Government of the Federation of BiH is tasked with regularly reporting to the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament, at least twice a year, on the implementation of the Southern Interconnection project, including the financial aspects of the project, the work schedule, identified risks, and any deviations from planned activities," he concluded.