As of October 2013, IGB has definitively completed all Environmental Impact Assessment procedures in the territories of Bulgaria and Greece, in accordance with applicable national and EU law. The positive decision approving the investment proposal was issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters on 6 February 2013. The environmental approval for the realization of the investment project by the Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change was issued on 29 October 2013. The issuance of the positive EIA Decisions in the two countries follows a process lasting approximately 2 years, which included the development of detailed environmental studies, field observations and EIA reports, conduct of public hearings and a confirmation process with all concerned bodies and agencies in Bulgaria and Greece.  The EIA approvals in the two countries are seen as a crucial achievement in the IGB Project realization process, since they are a key pre-condition for the construction of the pipeline and its financing, including from EU sources.