Vladimir Malinov presented the Vertical Corridor to leading energy suppliers at a conference in Egypt
Bulgartransgaz EAD Executive Director, Vladimir Malinov was among the participants in the strategic conference within the framework of Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES) 2026. The event was held in Cairo under the patronage and in the presence of the President of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. EGYPES is a significant energy event for the North Africa and Eastern Mediterranean region, which traditionally brings together leading international companies, institutions and leaders from the sector. This year's edition focuses on regional cooperation, energy transformation and sustainable development.
During the discussion panel dedicated to liquefied natural gas, Vladimir Malinov presented to leading companies in the gas sector such as the American ExxonMobil and Chevron, the international Harbour Energy and others, the strategic role of the Vertical Corridor for supplies to Europe. The participants in the discussion highlighted the decisive role of the Eastern Mediterranean, which is emerging as a gas hub with several LNG projects, discovered gas fields and new ones under developement. “Gas operators in the region continue to focus their efforts on improving the infrastructure in order to guarantee access to energy from the Eastern Mediterranean to the main demand centres in Europe. Bulgartransgaz shareholding in Alexandroupolis Terminal, as well as our potential involvement in a new project in the region, is not only an investment, but a strategic commitment to our shared regional security and development,” Malinov emphasized. He noted the growing role of LNG imports for Europe, which by 2025 will account for about 43% of the EU’s total natural gas imports, reaching 160 billion cubic meters. “Countries in the region are interested in expanding LNG supplies, and new production projects, both in the Eastern Mediterranean region and in the US, give us confidence that we can rely on LNG in the long term,” he highlighted in addition.
The new LNG import capacities will also require adaptation of the transmission infrastructure to ensure further provision of these quantities. “The Vertical gas corridor is of paramount importance for the transport of natural gas needed for the region. This is the only south-north highway along which LNG from the US, the Eastern Mediterranean and other secure partners can be delivered to households and businesses in Southeastern Europe, expanding the actual supply alternatives,” Vladimir Malinov said. This strategic infrastructure for Europe, the implementation of which was firstly initiated by Bulgartransgaz, will provide all necessary conditions to guarantee energy security and independence in the region, including for Moldova and Ukraine. “The implementation of the projects on the territory of Bulgaria is being performed on schedule and they are expected to be run into operation by the end of this year,” Malinov announced.
Thanks to the simultaneous development of infrastructure and the introduction of improved products and services, approved by Bulgartransgaz and the operators of the Vertical Gas Corridor last week, a significant contribution is being made to the development and integration of gas markets in the region.
