The CEOs of the Gas Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Greece (DESFA), Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz), Romania (Transgaz), Moldova (Vestmoldtransgaz) and Ukraine (GTSOU) met on the sidelines of the Athens Riviera Summit and signed a Joint Address to the National Regulatory Authorities of their respective countries, requesting the accelerated approval of the extension of the monthly capacity product Route 1 for the 2025/2026 gas year.
According to the TSOs, the extension is essential to secure the necessary flows to Ukraine during the upcoming winter, and they reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the Vertical Corridor, which enables natural gas and LNG from Greece to reach Southeast and Central Europe.
“From Athens, we send a clear signal: the Vertical Corridor is Europe’s new energy backbone, uniting South and North, enhancing Greece’s energy hub role and fortifying our collective resilience,” said Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou. “Today’s TSOs agreement turns ambition into action and paves the way for stronger regional cooperation. Greece, together with its partners, stands determined to contribute to Europe’s energy security for the prosperity and the benefit of all our people.”
“The Vertical Corridor is a critical route for both supply diversification and energy security across Southeast and Central-Eastern Europe, fully aligned with the REPowerEU strategy,” said Maria Rita Galli, CEO of DESFA. “By joining forces with our partners, we are ensuring that Ukraine and Southeast Europe have secure access to reliable gas flows. This agreement reflects our shared responsibility to deliver energy security, resilience and sustainability. DESFA is proud to play its part in this joint effort.”