President Iliana Iotova stated that the Vertical Gas Corridor holds strategic importance for Europe’s energy security, emphasizing its significance beyond economic benefits due to current geopolitical divisions. The discussion took place during the Eighth Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia, attended by leaders from Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Romania. The Vertical Gas Corridor is described as a strategic initiative designed to enhance energy security and diversify natural gas supplies across Southeastern, Eastern, and Central Europe.
Addressing the assembly, the President noted that Bulgartransgaz was among the initiators of the plan for sustainable gas transmission infrastructure expansion in the region. During her address, the President briefed participants on Bulgaria’s ongoing gas infrastructure projects. Key developments include plans to increase transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria by 2026, facilitating greater northbound flows from liquefied natural gas terminals in Greece.
Furthermore, capacity upgrades are slated for the connection between Bulgaria and Romania, while the interconnection point in Stara Zagora is scheduled for expansion by 2027. The President asserted that Bulgaria is establishing itself as a critical regional hub for natural gas distribution. She stated, “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.”
Concluding her remarks, the President stressed that the corridor represents more than just pipelines; it symbolizes a shared commitment to energy independence and security achieved through strategic partnership.
The summit was also marked by a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed between the President and her Armenian counterpart.
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