Brussels green lighted the new gas pipeline Eastring

On Wednesday European Commission Vice-President for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič presented the State of the Energy Union report which he claims shows progress since the framework strategy was adopted. 2016 should be the year when the European Commission will lay out concrete plans, according to Šefčovič, such as proposals for secure energy supplies, a new strategy for supplies of liquefied gas, and a new strategy for heating and cooling of buildings. Late in 2016, the European Commission wants to come up with a new plan for the European electricity market. Šefčovič also indicated that the European Commission is also adopting a list of 195 key energy infrastructure projects dubbed projects of common interest, the Eastring gas pipeline project leading from Bulgaria to Slovakia being one of them. The project will enhance regional integration and gas infrastructure between several countries, said Šefčovič. In addition, its added value lies in the possibility of bi-directional supply - or reverse flow. The fact that Brussels green lighted the new gas pipeline means that the project will be able to use fast-track procedures for the issuance of permits and better regulatory conditions than other potential projects. "After it has been added to the list, its promoters can apply for financing of the feasibility study from the EU funds," EC Vice President for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said.