He was commenting on the possibility for changing TAP’s landing point in Italy’s Melendugno.

The construction is at an advanced stage, so no changes are possible, said Sefcovic.

The landing point in Melendugno was chosen after a long authorization process by considering every possible alternative, at least 11, before choosing the best option from the environmental point of view, he added.

The European Commission vice-president noted that the Southern Gas Corridor and its European leg, TAP in fact, are crucial for European energy security: it will help diversify sources and supply routes in more vulnerable regions such as the South East and Southern Europe.

The project will also contribute to increasing competition in the gas market, with clear advantages for consumers in terms of prices, he added.

Sefcovic also talked about the possible impact of the 2018 Italian general election on the implementation of TAP project.

"I do not go into local political issues, but I am convinced that the project will be successful and will bring benefits for Europe, for Italy and especially for Puglia,” he said.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU.

TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.

The pipeline will be connected to the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.

TAP’s shareholders are: BP (20 percent), State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (20 percent), Snam (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 km, Albania 215 km, Adriatic Sea 105 km, and Italy 8 km). Its highest point will be 1,800 meters in Albania’s mountains, while its lowest point will be 820 meters beneath the sea.

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