Russia and Serbia Advance Energy Partnership with Plans for New Pipelines to Europe

Russia and Serbia are moving forward with plans to construct new oil and gas pipelines, aiming to create a strategic supply route for Southeast Europe and several EU countries. The initiative comes as Ukraine refuses to transport Russian gas through its territory.

According to Russian daily Izvestia on August 12, both nations have engaged in discussions focused on large-scale energy infrastructure projects. These plans would not only strengthen bilateral ties in the energy sector but also open opportunities for cooperation with neighboring countries such as Hungary and Slovakia.

Key Regional Connectivity Projects

One of the most notable initiatives is an oil pipeline linking Serbia to the Druzhba network in Hungary, with a planned capacity of 3 million tons of oil per year. Serbian officials have reaffirmed their strong commitment to the project, underscoring Belgrade’s determination to diversify energy sources and secure national energy supplies.

In addition to oil infrastructure, the two sides are also exploring the construction of a new gas pipeline from Serbia to Hungary. This route would not only meet Hungary’s needs but could also extend supplies to Slovakia, Austria, and other EU member states. Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy confirmed that the country will continue to receive Russian gas through the Balkan Stream, an extension of the TurkStream pipeline.

“Serbia is pursuing an independent energy policy, and we intend to continue importing as much gas as possible through the Balkan Stream in the future,” the Ministry emphasized. Russia currently supplies 93% of Serbia’s gas consumption—a record high in 2024—highlighting both the country’s dependency and the necessity of ongoing cooperation with Moscow.

Risks and Challenges Ahead

While these projects promise significant strategic benefits, they also carry considerable risks. Energy expert Igor Yushkov from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation warned that building a new Serbia–Hungary pipeline could pose challenges for Gazprom, especially as the EU has committed to halting imports of Russian natural gas by 2027.

He also noted that existing transit routes through Slovakia and Hungary currently meet demand, suggesting that upgrading current infrastructure could be a more viable alternative to entirely new construction.

A Long-Term Strategic Shift

The Russia–Serbia cooperation plans reflect a strategic shift in energy policy aimed at bypassing Ukrainian transit routes. If implemented successfully, the projects could strengthen Russia’s foothold in the European energy market and secure stable supplies for regional partners. However, their success will largely depend on political and economic factors amid Europe’s evolving geopolitical landscape.