(Source: http://www.lragir.am/index/rus/0/economy/view/42780)

The beginning of construction of the first thread of the offshore section of the “Turkish Stream” is scheduled for the end of June - beginning of July. This was reported by the Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak during the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg.

“The key point for today is the beginning of construction of the first thread of the offshore section of the pipeline, its terms are set in accordance with the schedule for the end of June - beginning of July” - the agency quotes the official’s words.

Novak added that the basic construction option that is considered includes laying the pipe through the territory of Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary and further delivery to the Austrian gas hub in Baumgarten. At this, he stressed the fact that the construction of a gas pipeline in Europe depends on the position of the European Commission.

According to the preliminary estimates of “Gazprom”, the first thread of the “Turkish Stream” will cost 3.3 billion euros. Previously the Head of the corporation Aleksei Miller said that it was planned to launch the pipeline in December 2016. According to the Turkish ambassador in Moscow Umit Erdym, it will start working after 2017.

On Friday, June 19 Vladimir Putin and the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras discussed the routes of transportation of the Russian gas through the “Turkish Stream” pipeline during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

And the energy ministers of Russia and Greece signed a memorandum on cooperation in the construction and operation of the pipeline on the territory of Greece. A road map for the implementation of this project has also been signed. The beginning of construction of the first thread of the offshore section of the “Turkish Stream” is scheduled for the end of June - beginning of July. 

According to the preliminary estimates of “Gazprom”, the first thread of the pipeline will cost 3.3 billion euros. In December 2014 Russia refused to build the gas pipeline “Southern Stream” bypassing Ukraine because of the resistance of the European Commission.