During the Three Seas Business Forum in Dubrovnik on April 28 and 29, Bulgaria presented a strategic initiative, supported by Romania, Greece, Ukraine, and Moldova, calling for European Commission (EC) assistance for the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor. According to the Energy Ministry, the project is deemed crucial for Europe’s long-term energy security by ensuring diversified, reliable, and competitive natural gas supply routes. In a formal letter addressed to the EC Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the participating nations detailed two primary measures to boost the corridor’s competitiveness.
The first involves accelerating infrastructure development, including plans for Bulgaria to double the corridor’s capacity in response to the changing geopolitical landscape. The Bulgarian government confirmed that this accelerated timeline aims to provide a viable alternative to Russian gas, aligning with the goals of the REPowerEU plan. The partners further requested that the EC establish a special infrastructure financing mechanism to support nations bearing the greatest burden from shifting gas flows and new regulatory demands.
The second key proposal centers on introducing “super-bundled capacity booking products.” These products are designed to enhance predictability for long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG), facilitating the integration of substantial LNG volumes from diverse sources, including the United States. This strategy is intended to stabilize the route and maintain its competitiveness as Russian gas reliance decreases. During the forum, the Deputy Energy Minister emphasized that the Vertical Gas Corridor represents a strategic infrastructure of European significance.
She stated that adapting regulations is necessary to promote both security and competitiveness, enabling real supply diversification and the integration of LNG into the energy systems of Southeast and Central Europe.
Topics: #energy #initiative #vertical
