The Türkiye–Bulgaria energy partnership is rapidly evolving beyond traditional bilateral gas trade into a broader strategic corridor focused on natural gas, electricity, renewable energy and regional energy security. As south-east Europe seeks greater supply diversification and stronger cross-border integration, cooperation between Ankara and Sofia is becoming an increasingly important pillar of the region’s energy architecture. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently described plans to expand gas transmission capacity from Türkiye to Bulgaria as strategically significant not only for the two countries but also for the wider energy security of Eastern Europe, highlighting Türkiye’s growing role as both a gas gateway and an electricity transit partner.
Existing infrastructure is no longer sufficient to support the region’s rising energy demands and security objectives. Both governments are therefore working to modernise the BOTAS–Bulgargaz agreement under what Fidan described as a “win-win” principle. The revised framework is expected to go well beyond gas supply, covering expanded transmission infrastructure, additional interconnections and deeper long-term cooperation. For Bulgaria, this means stronger access to southern gas routes and greater supply flexibility, while Türkiye further strengthens its position as a regional gas transit and balancing hub connecting multiple markets.
Electricity is emerging as an equally important area of cooperation. Türkiye and Bulgaria are advancing plans for new cross-border electricity interconnectors that could increase transmission capacity by between 700 MW and 1,100 MW, providing a meaningful boost to regional power trading. The additional capacity would support cross-border balancing as Bulgaria expands battery storage, Romania accelerates renewable generation and Türkiye continues to experience rising electricity demand driven by industrial growth and electrification. Greater interconnection would also reduce congestion risks while creating new commercial opportunities across Balkan electricity markets.
The partnership is also becoming increasingly important from a renewable energy perspective. Türkiye, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Georgia are discussing the Green Energy Transmission and Trade initiative, a project designed to strengthen renewable electricity transmission between the Caspian region and Europe while expanding regional electricity trading opportunities. At the same time, Bulgaria is exploring higher natural gas imports from SOCAR alongside broader investment opportunities linked to Azerbaijan’s growing energy sector, further diversifying regional supply sources.
Beyond commercial energy flows, the Türkiye–Bulgaria corridor is developing into a broader strategic security asset. Infrastructure capable of transporting natural gas, electricity and renewable power simultaneously improves supply-chain resilience, reinforces the security of NATO’s south-eastern flank and reduces dependence on vulnerable maritime transit routes. Türkiye’s longstanding ambition to serve as an energy bridge between Europe, the Black Sea, the Caspian region and the Middle East is increasingly being realised through concrete infrastructure investments rather than political rhetoric.
The commercial potential of the partnership is substantial. Gas traders, transmission system operators, renewable developers and storage operators all stand to benefit from stronger regional interconnection and greater market integration. At the same time, the relationship reflects an important geopolitical balance. Türkiye’s geographic position and infrastructure provide strategic leverage, while Bulgaria’s membership of the European Union offers direct access to the EU internal energy market. Together, the two countries are building what could become one of south-east Europe’s most influential energy partnerships, shaping the region’s next phase of infrastructure investment, energy security and market integration.
