CB

What about Bosnia and the Russia-EU energy equation?

Recommended Posts

I've been sort of mapping out Europe's energy policy and options for less dependence on Russia and while most of the countries' situations and stances are fairly clear to me (not entirely when it comes to Eastern Europe), I can't figure out where Bosnia fits into all of this ... anyone have any experience here?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Let's say that Russia is controlling one part in Bosnia and that is Republic of Srpska. There are several reasons for that, but this is not a history lecture. Briefly, the only one oil refinery in Bosnia is owned by Russia.(Zarubezhneft oil company-Moskva) Gas supplies from Russia are also going to orher parts of state through Republic of Srpska  and that is creating kind of addiction....(short version) Economy=politics

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does this mean that Modrica refinery is something like the Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS) in my country? And NIS was bought by the Russians and saved...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No, Peter. The refinery is in big losses and is not even close to what the Russians are doing in NIS. Many times in last few years I heard how Zarubezhneft failed to fulfill agreement about privatization of Refinery , but ... Another sad story from the Balkans

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For three years Gazprom Neft has invested 500 million euros in NIS. That kind of approach is necessary if you want to start with serious business.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Zarubezhneft is owner of two refinery, many of oil stations in RS and for a ten years (2007 -2017) they invested 266 million euros...If you told me about 500 million euros investment for three years in NIS  then is everything more than clear...Refinery in Modrica and Bosanski Brod are toy for them - does not cost to much, but has strong political message....Indeed, same like Russian capital in Serbia, is it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Perhaps it's correct to say: "like any kind of capital"... That''s a logic. Don't you think the French, German or US investments in some countries are their try to help economy or their control? Pretty similar....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, Petar. On the Balkans, as you know, we have a proverb: only interests are eternal! But, if I can choose between Putin's oligarchs and Western democracies, I will choose it democracy and transparency.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Maybe you're so critical of Putin or Russia? Serbia is in between the interests of Russia and the pressure of Brussels. This type of choice is not good, both of these blocks offer us money. I'm afraid - the price on the end will be to  much expensive. And, of course, the position of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this context is worst than ours.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

But Gazprom is big in the rest of Bosnia, too, right? The Federation entity...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I remember quite a few years back during a very cold winter when everyone in Bosnia was worried they wouldn't have gas for heating because of the Ukraine crisis and not paying bills to Russia ... I think the Serbs actually 'loaned' Bosnia some gas if I'm not mistaken. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, Kate Turlington said:

But Gazprom is big in the rest of Bosnia, too, right? The Federation entity...

Kate, It's true that Gazprom works in the Federation. But ... Gazprom has a small number of petrol pumps which they bought from Austrian OMV. And the most important thing: Zarubezhneft has a contract with the RS Government, the other entity, which has become the owner of a refinery, a motor oil plant and inherited almost all petrol pumps. Their influence and strength are different and can't be compared...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That means, what is Gazprom in Serbia, Zarubezhneft is in a Bosnia?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Generally, yes. However, there are big differences. First off all investment, than business expansion, etc. Gazprom in Serbia showed how's that process must go....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Maybe this is best for comparation:

Zarubezhneft (Republic of Srpska, BiH 2007 – 2017)

Investitions: 266 million euros

 

Gazprom Neft (Serbia)

2009 – 2012

Investitions: 500 million euros

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So, conclusion is how are Russians strong and has a big influence in all Bosnia, or just one part of country? Oil, gas station, refinery......

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Let's say how they unite economic and political interest in just one part of Bosnia. That kind of their influence is not good and constructive - especially when the country wants to step its own chances for EU integration or NATO.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, please sign in.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.