
Greece seeks to open a second natural gas gateway for the Balkans.
After the pipeline with Bulgaria (IGB) that started operating last summer, the pipeline with North Macedonia is now underway. According to information, the companies running the project, Greece’s natural gas transmission system operator-DESFA and the state-owned NER have recently intensified their contacts in order to coordinate the actions to start the construction work. A related meeting took place in Skopje between executives of the two administrations last week.
The investment decision
The project is in an advanced licensing phase and the investment decision is pending.
DESFA, according to the available information, is going to take the relevant investment decision by the beginning of September for the part of the project on Greek soil.
The project envisages the construction of a pipeline with a total length of 123 kilometers and will extend from Nea Mesimvria Thessaloniki to Negotino via Evzoni/Gevgeli connecting the national natural gas transmission systems of Greece and North Macedonia, managed by DESFA and NER, respectively . Its initial transport capacity will be 1.5 billion cubic meters per year, with the possibility of expansion to 3 billion cubic meters per year, while studies have been carried out in order for the pipeline to have the appropriate specifications for the transport of green hydrogen.
The contests
The Administrator is even said to be preparing tenders for the supply of pipes and other necessary equipment. His responsibility for the project is on Greek soil. It is a 55 km long pipeline and its cost amounts to 67 million euros. DESFA has also secured financing of 25 million euros from the European Investment Bank for the Greek part.
Western Balkans
The Greece – North Macedonia pipeline is not only intended to supply natural gas to the neighboring country.
The plan also foresees the transfer of gas quantities to the Western Balkans. In this direction, North Macedonia is proceeding with the construction of a connecting pipeline with Kosovo. From there it will be possible to supply Montenegro as well.
Schedule
According to DESFA’s schedule, as described in the ten-year development program 2023 – 2032, the projected start date is the summer of 2025. For the project, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between DESFA and NER in October 2016 as well as signed on September 10, 2021 Cooperation Agreement for the construction of the pipeline on both sides of the border.
Access to the National Natural Gas System and in particular to the Revythoussa terminal and gas through TAP will enhance competition, thus leading to potentially lower gas supply prices in the neighboring country. At the same time, this project promotes the regional development of the natural gas market and the activation of more users, contributing to the development of the Greek gas hub.


Latest News

Chevron Confirms Eyeing Natural Gas Exploration South of Crete
Chevron recently declared its intent to explore a third area, south of the Peloponnese.

Evangelos Marinakis: A time of change from which shipping can benefit
Speaking at the 19th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum Evangelos Marinakis stressed the challenges that shipping faces today

Retail Trade in Greece Up 2.5% in December 2024: ELSTAT
In January 2025, the General Turnover Index recorded a 2.5% increase compared to January 2024. Compared to December 2024, it recorded a significant decline of 18.4%

Greek Fruit and Vegetable Exports Surge
Greek exporters have expressed concerns over a new draft law in Bulgaria that mandates at least 50% of products in stores to be of Bulgarian origin.

Trump Tower in Greece? Speculation Grows Over Potential Investment
In 2007, the Trump Organization explored the possibility of constructing a skyscraper complex and casino at the former Ellinikon Airport site in Athens

Was Aristidis Alafouzos, CEO of Okeanis Eco Tankers, cheering over extra earnings from carrying ‘sanctioned’ Russian oil?
Okeanis CEO Aristidis Alafouzos tried to give assurances that the company was not carrying sanctioned Russian oil - Recently published data point to the opposite

Tax Filing in Greece Surpasses Expectations
Taxpayers who submit their returns by April 30 will benefit from an increased tax discount of 4% if they opt for a lump-sum payment by July 31, 2025

Evangelos Marinakis: Proud of Diaspora Greeks, ‘Who’re All Together, United’
Marinakis, an Honorary Grand Marshal of the 86th Greek Independence Parade on Sunday, was touched by his contacts in New York City with members of the Greek-American community, where he spoke fondly of the Diaspora: ‘Twice as Greek, Twice over as Olympiacos fans'

Stirring 86th Greek Independence Day Parade Down 5th Ave. Evangelos Marinakis an Honorary Grand Marshal
According to NYPD sources, the 2025 parade is expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory, with some 120 groups with 52 floats and 15 marching bands paraded from 64th to 79th streets along renowned Fifth Avenue

PM Mitsotakis Highlights Chevron’s Interest in Greek EEZ in Weekly Review
“The interest from Chevron is important because a leading American multinational chooses to invest in Greek maritime plots, thus practically recognizing Greece's EEZ in the area,” the prime minister said.