„Geopolitical challenges are forcing the EU to accelerate the pace of interconnection and development of natural gas transport networks,” said the PSD MEP. In this context, we recall that Transgaz resorted to bank loans to obtain €350 million for projects such as the „Gas Highway” after the EU refused to directly finance certain gas pipelines.
PSD MEP Mihai Tudose questioned the European Commission about the problems facing the natural gas transport infrastructure in the EU and called for legislative changes to ensure the necessary funding for this sector.
„The natural gas transport infrastructure is suffering at European level due to underfunding, even though this sector is essential to the EU’s efforts to achieve energy security. Geopolitical challenges are forcing the Union to accelerate the pace of interconnection and development of natural gas transport networks, with a focus on the eastern flank, which plays a decisive role. A telling example is the cross-border interconnection between Romania and the Republic of Moldova,” states the question for written answer addressed by the Social Democrat MEP to the European Commission.
Mihai Tudose asked the Brussels executive to consider quantifying the energy security component, established in the Financing Applications for the Modernization Fund, with a view to providing adequate funding.
At the same time, the president of the PSD National Council asked the European Commission to analyze and decide on the introduction of natural gas transport infrastructure as a tool for transitioning away from and replacing coal-based heating, by amending the Delegated Act on Climate.
We recall that Transgaz received EU funds through loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the BRUA project, while for other gas pipeline projects, such as the „Gas Highway,” it was refused direct financing by the EU, resorting to bank loans. Thus, as reported by Ion Sterian, general manager of Transgaz, the company resorted to bank loans to obtain €350 million for projects such as the „Gas Highway” after the EU refused to directly finance some gas pipelines.
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