President Iliana Iotova stated on Monday that the Vertical Gas Corridor holds strategic importance for Europe’s energy security. According to the President’s press secretariat, the initiative carries significance beyond its economic benefits, particularly amid current geopolitical complexities. The discussion concerning the role of the gas corridor took place during the Eighth Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia, and was attended by leaders 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. During her remarks, the President noted that Bulgartransgaz was among the initiators of the idea for sustainable expansion of regional gas transmission infrastructure and was the first operator to launch targeted investments for the corridor’s construction. Iotova briefed participants on Bulgaria’s planned gas infrastructure upgrades.
These include increasing transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria by 2026 to improve northbound flows from liquefied natural gas terminals, alongside increasing capacity from Bulgaria to Romania for greater flows to Eastern and Central Europe. Furthermore, the interconnection point in Stara Zagora is scheduled for capacity enhancement by 2027. The President stated that Bulgaria is positioning itself as a key regional hub for gas distribution, boasting a developed transmission network with neighboring countries.
She highlighted that the country plays a crucial role in ensuring north–south flows and strengthening connections with Romania and Serbia. Iotova concluded that the corridor exemplifies what can be achieved through strategic partnership, representing a shared commitment to energy independence and development. Separately, the President and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership.
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