The Government adopted the final text of Agreement with the Russian Federation on construction of gas pipeline leg from South Stream towards the Republic of Macedonia. The final text is to be adopted at the next government’s session. The date for agreement signing is being currently defined, but it is likely to be signed in June in St. Petersburg, Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said in the interview with MIA. 

The connection with international South Stream gas pipeline has multiple advantages for Macedonia. The agreement foresees providing additional quantities of natural gas which will mean stable energetic future of our country. He added that it resolved the issue of gas supply for all future generations and it was mostly significant for Macedonia's economy, because it will make it more competitive with a secured gas resource which will be purchased by an affordable price. It is estimated that by 2030 the necessary quantities of gas which would be provided would amount 2.5 billion cubic meters. The operator of the gas pipeline in Macedonia will be 50-50 Macedonian – Russian joint company as foreseen in the agreement, Stavreski said in the interview.

The construction of gas pipeline in Russia began in 2012 and deliveries of gas in Central and South Europe are planned for 2015. The capacity of the gas pipeline is 63 billion cubic meters per year, or about 14% of EU gas consumption.