**$1.5bn pipeline deal cuts Russia out of Balkans**

Croatia and Bosnia signed a $1.5 billion pipeline project on Tuesday. The deal signals a major shift in the region's energy supply. The new pipeline will help both countries move away from Russian gas. It marks a key step in the US and Europe’s push to strengthen energy security in the Balkans. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months. The project is one of the largest energy investments in the region in years.