In an interview for today’s edition of the Vecernje Novosti daily, Skundric stressed that Serbia now has an opportunity to strengthen its economic, political, cultural and other ties with Russia, adding that Russia is Serbia’s greatest friend, while the EU is its strategic interest.
By realising the South Stream project, Serbia will become an important link in the world gas cartel, said Skundric adding that the first question every investor asks before investing in a country is availability of energy sources.
The Minister explained that many investors are not satisfied with electricity alone, but want other energy sources, primarily gas. With the South Stream gas pipe line Serbia will open the door for more investments and new jobs, he added.
He voiced his hope that gas will be cheaper in January, but added that it certainly cannot be as cheap as it used to be.
As for speculations that Russia will give Serbia a discount on gas now that the agreement is signed, Skundric said that this issue will be regulated by special agreements, adding that Serbia has certain preferences which other countries do not have.
We do not pay certain fees, but we still have an unfavourable price of transport through Hungary, specified the Minister adding that thanks to the energy agreement, Serbia will save around €70 million on transport, as well as additional funds which it currently spends on tax and fees to other countries. It will also have two supply routes and enough gas for its own needs, he added.
Serbia was never offered to have the US gas pipe line Nabuko traverse its territory. We would never refuse such an offer, said Skundric adding that because of the needs of the European market, there is room for both pipe lines as they cannot be competition to each other.
No one, not even Russia, Qatar or Iran has enough gas at their disposal, not as much as Europe will be needing in future. There are geopolitical and geo-strategic reasons to prefer one side to the other, but it is my opinion that with the South Stream pipe line we will become an equal strategic partner to Russia and EU countries, and at the same time a regional energy leader, stressed the Minister.