Research Programme

Construction of the Yamal-Europe transit gas pipeline, carried out by EuRoPol GAZ s.a. in the territory of Poland, is an unique project in many aspects, also from a scientific perspective.

The investor was obliged to conduct rescue excavation work along the whole pipeline route long before the construction and assembly works commenced. Following the regulations of the Act on Protection of Culture Assets dated February 15, 1962 and requirements of the European Convention On Protection of Archaeological Heritage, EuRoPol GAZ s.a. did not limit its activity only to actions resulting from the letter of the law. The company developed a comprehensive research programme aimed at protection of ancient relicts of our culture from irreparable destruction.

It can be said without any exaggeration that a new model of partnership between an investor and archaeologists, conducting comprehensive excavation works, was developed.

For the first time ever in execution of line projects the scope of archaeological search was so extensive and conducted in such a regular manner. Among other things a dedicated archaeological unit was established by EuRoPol GAZ s.a. to provide coordination of the works in progress. Furthermore the company provided financing necessary for the conservation efforts. It was assumed that any archaeological site found on the pipeline route would be fully investigated, the finds would be conserved and the most valuable items of them would be displayed.

These operations resulted in valuable finds that aroused a large interest among many scientists. The inaugural exhibition of the finds found along the pipeline route, under the name of "The Gas Pipeline Full of Archaeological Treasures" was presented in the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg under the patronage of Polish Minister of Culture and Arts and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and next in many museums, both in Poland and abroad. The archaeological finds are also displayed at the permanent exhibition of the Archaeology Museum of the Transit Gas Pipeline in Szamotuły; a modification of the local museum for this purpose was financed by EuRoPol GAZ s.a.

An extensive documentation has been developed that allows any interested parties to review the results of the research published in the form of a multi-volume specialist publication „Archaeological Rescue Exploration along the Route of the Transit Gas Pipeline”. Furthermore, „The Gas Pipeline Full of Archaeological Treasures” album with many illustrations was published in the form of a catalogue of the exhibition arranged for in the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg.