BLACK SEA GAS CONNECTION

The project comprises the construction of new onshore natural gas transmission pipeline, which will connect the gas production from the Black Sea with the BRUA (Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria) gas corridor.

This project will enhance the security of gas supply in the European Union.

The project falls under Annex I of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the environmental impact assessment process has been completed, and the promoter has received the environmental and construction permits. The pipeline will be routed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas to the extent possible and to follow existing rights of way where appropriate, thus maintaining the integrity of sensitive zones. The impact that can typically be expected is mainly temporary, related to construction works and can usually be well managed by appropriate construction measures. An assessment of the potential environmental and social impacts along with checking alignment with the EIA Directive, as well as with the Habitats and Birds Directives (2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC, respectively) will be carried out during the appraisal.

The investments fall under EU public procurement legislation. The Bank will review with the promoter the proposed procurement procedures and will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the program have been/shall be tendered in accordance with relevant applicable EU procurement legislation.