Restated claim:
North Macedonia will commence purchases of U.S. LNG once the new gas interconnector with
Greece is completed. The interconnector project is the North Macedonia–Greece link, intended to diversify supply and integrate with Greece’s LNG infrastructure, with the trigger purchase of
U.S. LNG upon completion. No credible public evidence shows U.S. LNG purchases have begun; the condition appears contingent on completing the cross-border interconnector.
Evidence of progress: Construction of the Macedonian-Greek interconnector began in mid-2025. Reports indicate the
North Macedonian section started around July 2025, with completion targeted in the first half of 2027. The project is described as spanning about 70 km in North Macedonia and 56 km in Greece, with a total cost around €60 million and partnerships involving NOMAGAS and DESFA. Milestones cited include a formal start of construction and ongoing works on both sides of the border.
Current status relative to the claim: As of February 12, 2026, the interconnector was underway with an anticipated 2027 operational date. There is no public record of binding LNG purchase agreements or LNG deliveries linked to U.S. suppliers being invoked or executed, which keeps the claim in the “not yet fulfilled” category. The absence of contractual LNG volumes tied to U.S. suppliers suggests progress is focused on project construction rather than immediate LNG procurement.
Milestones and dates: July 2025 (start of construction on the
Macedonian side announced); early 2027 (projected interconnector completion and operation). These timelines are reported by industry outlets and project updates, not by an official U.S. government LNG procurement contract. The lack of a published purchase agreement means the concrete execution of the claim remains pending.
Source reliability and incentives: Public updates come from project developers and regional energy press, with the White House statement serving as the original claim trigger. Given the geopolitical incentives to diversify energy supply and expand regional gas trade, the interconnector aligns with broader regional security and diversification goals, but the LNG purchase clause appears contingent on the physical completion milestone rather than a separate policy commitment. The most robust future verification will be any contract or import records tying LNG deliveries to U.S. suppliers after the interconnector becomes operational.