President Iliana Iotova said on Monday that the Vertical Gas Corridor is of strategic importance for Europe’s energy security, the President’s press secretariat said. She noted that in addition to its economic benefits, it also has political significance at a time of serious geopolitical divisions and military conflicts. The discussion on the role of the Vertical Gas Corridor was held alongside theEighth Summitof the European Political Community in the Armenian capital Yerevan.
The discussion was also attended by heads of state and government from Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia and Romania. The Vertical Gas Corridor is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing energy security and diversifying natural gas supplies across Southeastern, Eastern and Central Europe, the statement said. In her remarks, Iotova noted that Bulgartransgaz is among the initiators of the idea for the sustainable expansion of gas transmission infrastructure in the region and was the first operator to launch targeted investments for the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor.
Iotova briefed participants on Bulgaria’s gas infrastructure projects. For 2026, an increase in transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria is planned to ensure greater northbound flows from liquefied natural gas terminals in Greece, as well as an increase in transmission capacity from Bulgaria to Romania to secure greater flows to Eastern and Central Europe. By 2027, the capacity of the interconnection point in Stara Zagora is to be increased.
“Bulgaria is establishing itself as an important regional hub for natural gas distribution, with a well-developed transmission network with neighbouring countries. Our country plays a key role in ensuring north–south flows, supports diversification through access to LNG terminals in Greece, and strengthens connections with Romania and Serbia,” the President said, as quoted in the statement. Iotova added that the Vertical Gas Corridor is proof of what can be achieved through strategic partnership.
“It is not merely a system of pipelines, but a symbol of our shared commitment to energy independence, security and development,” she said, highlighting the importance of cooperation and investment in infrastructure to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future for the region. The Summit is co-chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, according to official information from EU institutions. On Sunday, Iotova and Pashinyansigned a Joint Declarationon Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and Armenia.
President Iotova and her Armenian counterpart Vahagn Khachaturyandiscussed waysto strengthen cooperation between the two countries. This website uses cookies. By accepting cookies you can enjoy a better experience while browsing pages.
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