Under the auspices of Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) marked the start of construction of the pipeline project.
TAP will bring initial volumes of gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, was underlined by the presence of the Prime Minister of Georgia Georgi Kvirikashvili, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yaqub Eyyubov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Albania Niko Peleshi, the EU Vice President for Energy Union Maroš Šefcovic, the US Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Amos Hochstein, the Minister of Energy of Turkey Berat Albayrak, the Minister of Economic Development of Italy Carlo Calenda, the Minister of Energy of Bulgaria Temenuzhka Petkova, as well as the Switzerland State Secretary Federal Office of Energy Walter Steinmann.
The Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Alexis Tsipras, stated: 鶹ýӳThe beginning of construction for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, TAP, is taking place at a pivotal time for the Greek economy and our wider region. With regard to the project鶹ýӳs financial aspect, ensuring Europe鶹ýӳs energy supply as well as diversifying its energy sources and routes constitute the foundation stone of both our country鶹ýӳs energy strategy and the overall European planning.鶹ýӳ 鶹ýӳAs for its geo-strategic aspect, this project can contribute to energy becoming a bridge of collaboration and prosperity for everyone in our region.鶹ýӳ
Ian Bradshaw, Managing Director at TAP, commented: 鶹ýӳToday鶹ýӳs event marks a major milestone for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, our shareholders and for the energy landscape of Europe. After winning the bid in 2013 and working diligently to prepare for this moment, we are delighted to have started constructing the pipeline 鶹ýӳ a strategic project for Europe transporting new sources of Caspian gas via a new route commencing in 2020 and for years to come.鶹ýӳ
鶹ýӳOur commitment to this project along with the endorsement of all parties present here today will help ensure that we deliver gas to European markets on schedule, bringing significant economic benefits to both our host countries and the countries where Caspian gas will be sold. TAP will also help integrate and diversify Europe鶹ýӳs energy supply, making a significant contribution to improving its energy security.鶹ýӳ
The Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Panos Skourletis, stated: 鶹ýӳToday, we have proceeded from the concept of a very significant energy project of global impact, to its implementation. We go from theory to practice, in order for Greece to set a new course entailing growth for all. TAP鶹ýӳs importance transcends our country鶹ýӳs geographical borders and the short-term timeframe. It constitutes a special kind of infrastructure pertaining to the energy sector, which can support great endeavours and long-term plans. We will continue towards that direction, in order for this type of energy infrastructure to enable further support to everyone鶹ýӳs development efforts, as well as Greece鶹ýӳs dynamic interaction with the other countries of either energy flows or needs鶹ýӳ.