President Iliana Iotova stated that the Vertical Gas Corridor holds strategic importance for Europe’s energy security. According to the president’s press secretariat, the initiative carries both economic and political weight, particularly given current geopolitical divisions and military conflicts. The discussion regarding the role of this gas corridor occurred during the Eighth Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, attended by heads of state and government from Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Romania.
The Vertical Gas Corridor is designed to enhance energy security and diversify natural gas supplies across Southeastern, Eastern, and Central Europe. In her remarks, President Iotova noted that Bulgartransgaz was among the initiators of the concept and was the first operator to invest in the corridor’s construction. Iotova provided an update on Bulgaria’s gas infrastructure plans.
She outlined scheduled increases in transmission capacity, including a planned boost from Greece to Bulgaria by 2026 to support greater northbound flows from liquefied natural gas terminals. Furthermore, capacity between Bulgaria and Romania is slated for an increase by 2026 to secure supplies for Eastern and Central Europe, with the interconnection point in Stara Zagora set for an upgrade by 2027. The president stated that Bulgaria is positioning itself as a key regional hub for natural gas distribution, boasting a developed transmission network with neighboring countries.
She emphasized that the corridor supports north-south flows and strengthens connections through access to Greek LNG terminals. Iotova concluded by stating that the corridor represents more than just pipelines, symbolizing a shared commitment to energy independence and stability through strategic partnership.
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