Bulgaria is approaching the completion of critical segments of the Vertical Gas Corridor, a north-south infrastructure project aimed at transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Greece to Ukraine and other Central and Eastern European markets. According to caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov, two major projects on Bulgarian territory are expected to become operational by the end of 2026.
Speaking at the Transatlantic Summit in Washington focused on gas security and diversification, Minister Traikov emphasized that Bulgaria was the first country in the initiative to begin physical construction works. He described the corridor as a strategic backbone for regional energy stability. Construction is underway to expand capacity at key interconnection points linking Greece and Romania with Bulgaria, particularly Kulata/Sidirokastro and Negru Voda/Kardam. Once completed, the corridor will serve as a high-capacity transit route, capable of moving up to 10 billion cubic meters of LNG annually northward through the Balkans toward Ukraine and beyond.
Bulgaria has also applied for partial financial support from the European Union’s Modernization Fund, which, if approved, would help lower transmission costs and create more competitive tariffs for domestic and regional gas market participants.
Further upgrades are planned for 2026, with enhanced capacity expected at the Stara Zagora and Komotini interconnection points. Beyond improving supply diversification, this additional capacity will give traders greater flexibility and access to alternative markets.
Minister Traikov reflected on the origins of Bulgaria’s diversification strategy, recalling the 2009 gas supply interruption that exposed the country’s vulnerability. That crisis accelerated cooperation with the European Commission and drove the development of interconnectors with neighboring countries. The link with Greece proved particularly important, forming the foundation for the Southern Gas Corridor and subsequent infrastructure projects.
Although some previous projects, such as Nabucco, did not materialize, Minister Traikov argued that the diversification strategy ultimately proved effective. When supply tensions rose in 2022 following Gazprom’s ruble payment demands, Bulgaria avoided disruptions, supported by alternative LNG deliveries, including shipments from the United States.
