Gas supply talks in Republika Srpska focus on Russian commitments and regional routes

Radovan Višković, the prime minister of Republika Srpska, stated that a long-term gas supply agreement with Russia is expected to be signed by the end of 2023. He shared this in a conversation with a leading Sarajevo newspaper, confirming the momentum behind negotiations and noting that Gazprom’s management participated in related discussions, alongside Russia’s deputy prime minister, Alexander Novak.

Višković added that the process of securing reliable gas routes to Republika Srpska remains intricate. He explained that current supply paths route natural gas through Ukraine to Hungary and via Bulgaria to Serbia. In this context, Republika Srpska anticipates receiving gas from Serbia through a pipeline that is under construction, which would help diversify energy sources and enhance regional energy security.

The official stressed that Bosnian and Herzegovinian authorities have reservations about building a gas pipeline from Serbia, a stance likely influenced by diplomatic pressure from abroad, including the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. At the same time, a project is being prepared to extend a natural gas pipeline from Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Višković noted that Republika Srpska would support a Croatian-to-Bosnia pipeline only if Sarajevo also approves the Serbia-to-Bosnia route, reflecting the country’s delicate political balancing act on energy infrastructure.

As a contingency, Višković indicated a backup plan in collaboration with Gazprom should a mutual agreement fail. The alternative involves gasifying Republika Srpska and constructing two 100‑megawatt gas-fired power plants, a measure aimed at ensuring energy reliability and reducing dependence on any single import channel.

Earlier reports highlighted a meeting between Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Višković to discuss a long-term contract for supplying Russian gas to Republika Srpska, underscoring the ongoing importance of securing stable energy partnerships in the region.

BiH is composed of two entities—the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croat-Muslim) and Republika Srpska—and includes the Brčko District, which operates under international administration. The government system features three major peoples: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, each group contributing to the country’s legislative, executive, and judicial functions within their respective entities. This structure shapes how energy projects are reviewed and approved across the federation.

The most recent discussions reflect broader regional energy dynamics, with neighboring states exploring cross-border pipelines and investment in energy capacity to enhance reliability. These developments illustrate how political considerations, international partnerships, and infrastructure planning intersect in shaping the future of gas supply for Republika Srpska and the wider Bosnian and Herzegovinian energy landscape.