A new gas pipeline between Greece and Bulgaria became operational on Saturday, set to help reduce dependency on Russian gas in the region.
The construction of the pipeline connection, the foundation of which was laid 13 years ago, was completed in a short time thanks to €250 million ($245 million) provided by the EU after Russia cut off Bulgaria's natural gas supply.
The interconnection line was built between Bulgaria and Greece and will provide the transfer of 3 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani natural gas per year.
With a capacity of 3-5 billion cubic meters per year and reverse flow capabilities, the pipeline will carry gas from the northern Greek city of Komotini to Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. It is also connected to the part of Southern Gas Corridor that carries Azerbaijani gas to Europe.
About 180 km (112 miles) of its length is in Bulgaria, while 30 km of it is in Greece.