Moldova Steps Up Development of the Vertical Gas Corridor to Strengthen Regional Energy Security

The Republic of Moldova is intensifying cooperation with Greece and Bulgaria to develop the Vertical Gas Corridor, an initiative designed to provide alternative natural gas supply routes to Central and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine.

Moldova's Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, held discussions with European counterparts on the sidelines of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE) Council meeting in Luxembourg.

During talks with Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, the parties discussed improving the economic attractiveness of the gas transportation route. In particular, Moldova reduced its natural gas transmission tariff for the Vertical Gas Corridor by 90% from October 1, 2026, aiming to encourage greater use of the route for gas imports to Ukraine.

Discussions with Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Energy Iva Petrova focused on regional energy cooperation within the Central and South Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) initiative, the development of cross-border gas interconnections, and affordable energy prices.

However, the practical use of the Trans-Balkan pipeline remains limited. According to Logos Press, following Moldova's trial gas purchase in late 2024, no significant volumes have been transported along this route.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

The development of the Vertical Gas Corridor represents an important element in shaping a new energy security architecture for the Danube–Black Sea region. Its strategic significance lies in diversifying natural gas supplies, reducing dependence on traditional transportation routes, and strengthening the integration of the gas transmission systems of Ukraine, Moldova, and European Union member states.

Nevertheless, reducing transit tariffs alone does not guarantee increased gas flows. The corridor's effective operation requires coordinated tariff policies among participating countries, guaranteed transportation capacities, and commercially competitive gas procurement conditions.

For Ukraine, the opportunity to combine alternative gas import routes with the use of its underground gas storage facilities is particularly important. This could strengthen Ukraine's position within the regional energy infrastructure and contribute to the development of an integrated energy market in Southeastern Europe.