On 29 May, a formal inspection of the Vertical Gas Corridor infrastructure was held near the village of Mikrevo in southwestern Bulgaria. The event brought together key representatives from the Bulgarian Government, the gas transmission system operator Bulgartransgaz, construction company Glavbolgarstroy, as well as senior officials from Greece and Hungary, including the Greek Minister of Energy and the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This major infrastructure initiative aims to strengthen regional energy stability by improving access to diversified natural gas sources and enhancing the reliability of supply for Bulgaria and southeastern Europe. The corridor is considered a strategic tool for diversifying gas transmission routes across the region. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stressed that the corridor represents more than just infrastructure development. It is a symbol of political unity and regional cooperation, offering central and southeastern European countries a chance to redefine sovereignty and competitiveness through shared energy systems.
Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov described the project as a clear demonstration of European solidarity. He pointed out that such infrastructure efforts support the exchange of technologies and build corporate partnerships, particularly in the area of critical infrastructure development. He also reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to completing the project on schedule.
Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou highlighted the growing energy partnership between Greece and Bulgaria. Despite their geographic closeness and long-standing relations, energy interconnections have only recently begun to develop, and the corridor marks a major advancement in their cooperation. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto thanked Bulgaria for its leadership in promoting regional gas transmission. He underlined the strategic importance of maintaining secure energy supply routes to central Europe and mentioned the European Commission’s promise of further financial support for such crucial projects.
Bulgartransgaz CEO Vladimir Malinov recognized the challenges involved in coordinating gas transmission operators from seven countries. However, he expressed confidence that shared goals—such as route diversification, increased market competitiveness, and better pricing for consumers—can help overcome those challenges. He emphasized that the corridor will enhance energy security for both Bulgaria and the wider region.
The Vertical Gas Corridor is a key component of Bulgaria’s long-term energy policy and serves as a model of regional cooperation, setting the stage for future cross-border energy infrastructure projects throughout Europe.
