Gazprom's Miller opens EBC conference in Belgrade

Gazprom's Miller opens EBC conference in Belgrade

According to him, the lack of infrastructure to deliver the gas spells "great problems" for Southeastern Europe.

"I hope that the structures that govern the EU will also think about that, and I think that in the future we will not have administrative obstacles and problems that are based on ideology or mistrust," Bajatovic remarked.

EBC President and Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller spoke during the meeting to say that the aim of the organization is "integration of Western and Eastern economies," adding that this is becoming "increasingly relevant."

Miller said today's gathering will make decisions on the participation of other regions in the work of the EBC, and added that Asian and Pacific regions are getting involved in the work of the organization.

"Today we will make decisions related to the expansion of the area of our activities," Miller said at the opening ceremony. He added that energy sector in Europe and its future will also be discussed, and that the meeting is attended by 80 companies from 24 countries.

Serbian Minister of Energy and Mining Aleksandar Antic said there was "a large space for investments in the energy sector by partners from the east and from the west," and called on all interested investors to partner with Serbia on large energy projects.

He said that Serbia plans to build new power facilities, such as coal mines, and power and renewable energy plants.

Antic noted Serbia adopted a new Energy Law in December, which includes EU's Third Energy Package but also provides a number of incentives for investors.

"Serbia pays attention to its safety and security, and wants to be completely energy independent when it comes to electricity generation, but also safe and secure when it comes to the supply of oil and gas," said Antic.

He noted that the state with and its partners in the Gazprom-owned NIS work on major projects to "revitalize facilities for new refineries which will provide a more efficient system of gas supply."

"Serbia wants to ensure the security of gas supply through diversification of supply routes, but also of sources," he said.

Antic told the gathering that government was making efforts to carry out economic reforms and said he hoped the meeting will allow the domestic economy, especially the energy sector, to connect with foreign companies and investors.

In its report from Belgrade, TASS quoted Antic as saying that Serbia "urges not to politicize the construction of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline," and that the country "has not received any serious proposals regarding possible ways of financing the extension of the Turkish Stream on shore in Europe."

According to the Russian agency, Gazprom said "earlier" that it was "ready to finance the construction of the onshore section of the South Stream, which would also stretch across Serbia."

Antic also said that "Serbia is interested in the diversification of gas supply routes":

"Serbia wants to have more sources of gas supply, as well as any country in Europe and in the world."

According to him, the interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria "remains a top priority" for Serbia, and that "it hopes to start the construction of this gas route next year."