Bulgaria began construction Monday on a major new branch of its natural gas transmission network, marking a significant step in the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor.
This strategic energy project aims to reduce dependence on Russian energy and bolster regional supply security across central and eastern Europe.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Bulgarian Energy Minister Zheko Stankov, and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
The new pipeline segment in Kresna connects Bulgaria’s grid to regional infrastructure that links southern gas entry points in Greece to northern and central Europe.
Seven countries are participating in the broader initiative — Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, and Ukraine — with nine gas operators involved.
Mr. Papastavrou emphasized the strategic and geopolitical importance of the project.
“The South-North gas axis is becoming a reality,” he said. “Natural gas starting from our country will now reach Central and Eastern Europe. This strengthens both energy autonomy and Europe’s security of supply, while also enhancing Greece’s role as a regional energy hub.”
The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
It includes an expansion of capacity at two key interconnection points — Sidirokastro at the Greek-Bulgarian border and Kresna at the Bulgarian-Romanian border — enabling the flow of increased volumes of natural gas from southern terminals, including Greek liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, to northern markets.
The Vertical Gas Corridor is a critical component of Europe’s diversification strategy, particularly following the sharp drop in Russian gas imports triggered by the war in Ukraine.
The initiative is intended to create a resilient north-south gas supply chain that bypasses traditional east-west routes and reduces dependency on a single source.
In recent years, Greece has invested heavily in its energy infrastructure, including LNG terminals and interconnectors, positioning itself as a key entry point for alternative gas supplies into Europe.
The Vertical Corridor is supported by operators including DESFA and Gastrade from Greece; Bulgartransgaz and ICGB from Bulgaria; Transgaz from Romania; FGSZ from Hungary; Eustream from Slovakia; VMTG from Moldova; and GTSOU from Ukraine.
Mr. Papastavrou’s visit and participation in the launch event reflects growing regional cooperation on energy security as Europe transitions to a more integrated and independent energy system.