Serbia’s Acting Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, announced today, after a meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó at the Serbian government, that part of the technical documentation for the construction of an oil pipeline between Serbia and Hungary is already prepared. This could allow work to begin by the end of the year.

“On our part, some technical preparations have already been completed, including the adoption of the territorial plan and the continuation of project design, followed by the issuance of location conditions. Our joint efforts in this project demonstrate our commitment to continuing, expanding, and strengthening cooperation in oil supply through a new supply route,” said Đedović Handanović.

She also emphasized the determination of both sides to establish a pipeline connection, which will extend 113 kilometers on the Serbian side.

The minister expressed gratitude to Hungary for its continued support in the new situation concerning the Serbian oil company NIS, highlighting the importance of friendship and partnership in difficult times.

“We are grateful for the support regarding the possible introduction of sanctions because we have been in constant telephone contact over the past three months, sometimes daily, but certainly several times a week, to coordinate, exchange information, and find the most optimal solutions. At this moment, the best solution is to postpone the introduction of sanctions,” Đedović Handanović explained.

She also thanked Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó for advocating Serbia’s position during talks in Washington.

“We have done nothing that would justify the introduction of sanctions against an oil company in Serbia, which could have led to regional instability and unpredictability in oil prices and its derivatives,” she concluded.