Sofia and Bucharest discuss strategic projects

The Minister of Energy, Traycho Traykov, called for prioritizing opportunities for reverse natural gas deliveries to Bulgaria, in light of the expected production from the Black Sea of up to 8 billion cubic meters per year, during a meeting with the Ambassador of Romania to Bulgaria, H.E. Brândușa Ioana Predescu. He expressed hope that the blocks granted by Bulgaria for exploration would also yield positive results.

Minister Traykov emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure for energy and transport connectivity, which is a key factor for secure and competitive supply of goods and raw materials in the region.

Bulgaria is advancing the expansion of its gas transmission network along the Rupcha–Vetrino route, part of the Vertical Gas Corridor, which will increase transmission capacity from 5 to 10 billion cubic meters per year in the south–north direction. Commercial operation of the corridor is expected to begin in October 2026. At the same time, regulatory decisions are being finalized that will contribute to more competitive prices for future deliveries. Bulgaria has undertaken a strategic initiative to hold meetings in Sofia with the CESEC coordinator, American partners, and the regulator, which have driven progress toward more competitive tariffs and more efficient operation of capacity platforms, Minister Traykov noted.

During the discussion, initiatives regarding the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania submarine electricity cable were also addressed, as well as the possibilities for Bulgaria to join under certain conditions. The Romanian side expressed readiness to support the process. The green corridor Azerbaijan–Georgia–Turkey–Bulgaria, whose main principles have already been agreed upon, was also discussed.

The construction of a third bridge over the Danube and the development of a motorway project connecting Greece and Romania via Bulgaria were also part of the discussion between Minister Traykov and Ambassador Predescu. Bulgaria expects acceleration of work on the new rail and road bridge over the Danube and its access infrastructure on both sides -15 km each in Bulgaria and Romania - for which European funding has been secured. However, repeated suspension of the procedure by the Compania Națională de Administrare a Infrastructurii Rutiere has led to delays, explained by the need to provide clarifications requested by participating companies regarding public procurement procedures.

A contractor for the pre-feasibility study of another infrastructure project of mutual interest - the Veliko Tarnovo section towards the Maritsa motorway - is expected to be selected soon, Minister Traykov said. In a regional context, with a future extension of the Alexandroupolis–Constanța motorway to the Ukrainian border, this section could become part of a key route for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction, he further emphasized.