Balkan Nations Boost Energy Cooperation with Vertical Gas Corridor Expansion
Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia are strengthening their energy cooperation to enhance security of supply and establish new routes connecting Southeast Europe with central markets. The second quadrilateral ministerial meeting in Belgrade brought together energy ministers from the four countries to discuss cross-border interconnections, with a focus on the Vertical Gas Corridor.
The Vertical Gas Corridor, beginning in Greece, aims to transport gas northward through Bulgaria, Romania, and into the Western Balkans and Central Europe. The ministers reaffirmed their support for expanding the corridor to include Serbia and North Macedonia, creating additional supply routes for Central Europe. This initiative aligns with Greece's goal to become an energy gateway for the region.
The discussions also covered oil and electricity interconnections, with ongoing projects and plans to meet every six months to assess progress. Greece and Bulgaria are supporting the integration of Serbia and North Macedonia into the wider European energy system, promoting stronger electricity-market links. The next ministerial meeting will be held in Sofia in six months.
The push for greater energy interconnection reflects a broader European effort to create a more integrated energy market, essential for improving energy security and reducing price disparities. This initiative gains further importance as the European Union works to phase out Russian natural gas imports, emphasizing the need for diversified supply routes.