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President Iliana Iotova: The Vertical Gas Corridor Is of Strategic importance for the Security of the European Energy System

With its well-developed gas transmission network with neighbouring countries, Bulgaria is establishing itself as an important regional centre for natural gas distribution, the head of state said at a discussion in Yerevan 

The Vertical Gas Corridor is of strategic importance for Europe's energy security. In addition to its economic benefits, it also has political significance at a time of serious geopolitical divisions and military conflicts. This was stated by President Iliana Iotova at a high-level roundtable discussion on the topic "The Impact of the Vertical Gas Corridor on Regional Energy Security". The event accompanied the holding of the 8th European Political Community Summit in the Armenian capital Yerevan.

The debate about the role of the Vertical Gas Corridor also included heads of state and government from Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and Romania. The Vertical Gas Corridor is a strategic initiative to enhance energy security and diversify natural gas supplies for the countries of Southeastern, Eastern, and Central Europe.

In her address, Iliana Iotova emphasised that Bulgartransgaz is among the initiators of the idea of sustainable expansion of the gas transmission infrastructure in the region and was the first operator to launch targeted investments for the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor.The head of state introduced the attendees to the projects of the Bulgarian state for the construction of gas infrastructure. For the current year, it is planned to increase the transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria in order to ensure a larger volume of flows in the northern direction from the LNG terminals in Greece, as well as to increase the transmission capacity from Bulgaria to Romania in order to ensure a larger flow to Eastern and Central Europe. In 2027, the capacity of the interconnection point in Stara Zagora should be increased.

Bulgaria is establishing itself as an important regional centre for natural gas distribution, with a well-developed gas transmission network with neighbouring countries. Our country plays a significant role in ensuring flows along the north-south axis, supports diversification through access to liquefied gas terminals in Greece, and strengthens ties with Romania and Serbia, President Iotova pointed out.

The head of state stressed that the Vertical Gas Corridor is proof of what can be achieved through strategic partnership. It is not just a system of gas pipelines, but a symbol of our common commitment to energy independence, security and development, Iotova added, pointing to the importance of cooperation and investment in infrastructure to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future for our region.