Bulgaria has officially submitted its national strategy for diversifying natural gas supplies to the European Commission, setting out a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing dependence on Russian gas imports and strengthening long-term energy security in line with new EU regulations.
The document, prepared under European Union rules designed to gradually phase out Russian gas, outlines Bulgaria’s roadmap for securing alternative supply sources, expanding critical infrastructure, and improving access to international gas markets. A key focus of the strategy is enhancing supply resilience through diversification and integration with broader European energy systems.
A central element of the plan is the further development of the Vertical Gas Corridor, alongside modernization of regional interconnectors and expansion of the Chiren underground gas storage facility. The strategy also places strong emphasis on increasing access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) through international import terminals, allowing Bulgaria to better respond to market fluctuations and supply disruptions.
According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy, several components of the strategy are already being implemented. These include infrastructure upgrade projects, measures to improve system flexibility, and enhanced coordination between state institutions and energy operators to ensure more efficient market functioning.
Outgoing Energy Minister Traicho Traikov stated that Bulgaria has chosen to act early and contribute proactively to broader European efforts aimed at reinforcing energy independence and resilience. He emphasized that the strategy reflects Bulgaria’s ambition to maintain a significant role in regional energy security while supporting the stability of European energy systems and economies.
Officials noted that the submitted document is fully aligned with EU principles on solidarity among member states and the free movement of natural gas within the internal market. The strategy is described as a practical framework supported by concrete infrastructure projects, clear implementation timelines, and a long-term vision for the development of the national energy sector.
The Ministry further stressed that the initiative strengthens Bulgaria’s position as an important participant in the regional energy network and a reliable partner in building a more interconnected and competitive European gas market. By presenting the strategy, Bulgaria has signaled its commitment to translating EU climate and energy policy goals into operational projects aimed at improving supply security, reducing external dependencies, and enhancing the overall resilience of the regional energy system.
