Bulgaria has a real opportunity to become a leading regional gas distribution and transit center, connecting the markets of Southeastern, Eastern and Central Europe. This became clear from the participation of Acting Minister of Energy Traycho Traykov in the Transatlantic Summit on the Security of Gas Supplies, which was held in Washington on February 24 and 25, 2026.
During the forum, the energy ministers of 12 European countries and the United States signed a Joint Statement on Increasing the Security of Natural Gas Supplies for Central and Eastern Europe. Among the signatories are Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine and the United States – countries seeking more secure, more predictable and more independent energy solutions for the region.
What does this mean in practice?
The document places a clear emphasis on natural gas supplies from reliable and diverse sources, more competitive and more predictable raw material prices, the elimination of Russian supplies from the Community's energy balance, in accordance with European policies and legislation, as well as a closer energy partnership between Europe and the United States. The aim of the participating countries is to gradually reduce dependence on a single supplier and build a more flexible and sustainable gas market.
The joint statement envisages improving the efficiency of the natural gas market through the full use and expansion of existing infrastructure, the removal of non-market barriers to competitive pricing, including regulations that make it difficult to import gas. A review of projects for increasing cross-border capacities and the construction of new gas infrastructure was conducted, with specific parameters, implementation deadlines and financing options, which will ensure long-term stability of natural gas trade in the region.
Strategic importance for Bulgaria
The signing of the Joint Statement establishes Bulgaria as a major transit and infrastructure country within the Vertical Gas Corridor - a strategic system that transports gas from south to north and connects LNG terminals in Greece with the markets of Central and Eastern Europe. “This places our country at the center of efforts for diversification and greater energy security in the region”, said Minister Traykov during the forum. According to him, Bulgaria can play a key role in the transmission of liquefied natural gas, including supplies from the United States to Ukraine and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, which will diversify supplies and open up new opportunities for additional investments in the national gas transmission network.
The specific benefits for Bulgaria include:
• Better use and development of the existing gas transmission infrastructure, including interconnections with Greece and Romania, and increasing capacity at key entry-exit points;
• A stronger role for Bulgaria as a major factor in regional gas connectivity;
• Access to public and private financing, including through international financial institutions, export credit agencies and European funds, for the implementation of priority infrastructure projects.
„We have the opportunity to turn the national gas transmission system into a true strategic asset – not only for Bulgaria, but also for the entire region“, said Minister Traykov.
The signed joint statement also provides for regular consultations between the countries, coordination between gas operators and regulators and joint actions to build a more transparent and functioning gas market.