President Iliana Iotova stated that the Vertical Gas Corridor holds strategic importance for Europe’s energy security, according to her press secretariat. She emphasized that the initiative carries not only economic benefits but also significant political weight amid current geopolitical divisions and military conflicts. Discussions regarding the role of this gas corridor took place during the Eighth Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Armenia, attended by heads of state and government from Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Romania.
The Vertical Gas Corridor is framed as a strategic effort designed to enhance energy security and diversify natural gas supplies across Southeastern, Eastern, and Central Europe. The President noted that Bulgartransgaz was among the initiators of the concept and was the first operator to invest in the corridor’s construction. During the summit, Iotova provided an update on Bulgaria’s gas infrastructure projects.
Plans include increasing transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria by 2026 to secure greater northbound flows from liquefied natural gas terminals, alongside boosting capacity from Bulgaria to Romania for Eastern and Central European access. Furthermore, the interconnection point in Stara Zagora is scheduled for capacity increases by 2027. The President asserted that Bulgaria is establishing itself as a critical regional hub for natural gas distribution, citing its developed network for north–south flows, access to Greek LNG terminals, and strengthened links with Romania and Serbia.
Iotova concluded that the Vertical Gas Corridor exemplifies what can be achieved through strategic partnership, symbolizing a shared commitment to energy independence and stability. The Summit was co-chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
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