site.btaBulgarian Minister Highlights Vertical Gas Corridor as Key for Regional Energy Security

The development of the Vertical Gas Corridor and its transformation into a route for secure and competitive natural gas supplies is one of the main priorities for the countries in the region, said Bulgaria’s caretaker Minister of Energy Traicho Traikov during the international conference “Circular Ports for Global Trade: Green Infrastructure and Smart Connectivity,” held in the Greek port city of Thessaloniki on Saturday, Traikov’s ministry reported.

The forum was organized by the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It brought together representatives from institutions, business, and the expert community in the region.

In his speech, Traikov emphasized that in a dynamic geopolitical environment, energy and infrastructure connectivity between countries has become a key factor for economic stability and the security of Europe.

According to him, the energy map of the continent has changed significantly in recent years, with some energy flows that previously moved mainly from north to south now increasingly following the opposite direction. Despite this, the fundamental principles of energy security and the importance of consistent development of regional energy projects remain unchanged, the minister noted.

Traikov pointed out that, years ago, the strategic value of some initiatives for regional energy connectivity was not widely recognized, but today their importance is indisputable. He cited as an example the Greece–Bulgaria natural gas interconnector, whose role is currently crucial.

According to the minister, the Vertical Gas Corridor is a strategic initiative that strengthens Greece’s role as an entry point for natural gas supplies to Europe and positions Bulgaria at the centre of energy connectivity between Southeast and Central Europe. The corridor passes through Bulgaria and Romania and reaches Ukraine, where significant gas storage capacities exist, and from there to Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia.

He emphasized that such an infrastructure project can only succeed through a coordinated and strategic approach among partner countries.

The minister also highlighted the importance of developing regional gas infrastructure and diversifying supplies, including Bulgaria’s participation in the floating LNG regasification terminal in Alexandroupolis.

According to Traikov, energy today is no longer merely a sector of the economy, but a strategic foundation for technological development, competitiveness, and security. He stated that true energy security is built on three main pillars: modern infrastructure, trust and cooperation between countries, and strategic planning.

He added that the challenges facing the energy sector, from geopolitical instability to price shocks on international markets, require joint solutions and closer regional partnership, so that energy connectivity becomes a source of resilience and a driver of economic development.