The introduction of a joint capacity booking product from Greece to Ukraine will provide alternative and competitive natural gas supplies and improve the region's energy security.
The gas transmission system operators of Ukraine (LLC Gas TSO of Ukraine), Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz EAD), Greece (DESFA SA), Moldova (VestMoldTransgaz SRL) and Romania (Transgaz SA) have applied to their national regulators with this initiative.
On the Ukrainian side, the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) adopted the decision at its meeting on May 27, 2025.
"Having phased out Russian energy carriers, Ukraine, like our partners in the EU, is actively working to find alternative gas supply routes. The use of the Trans-Balkan route is important in this context. Ukraine's gas transmission system, as well as our underground gas storage facilities, which are part of this route, can play an important role in strengthening the energy security of the entire region. Therefore, we look forward to positive decisions by all participating countries to use the Trans-Balkan route for our common strategic goals," said Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko
"We are grateful to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine for supporting this important initiative created jointly with other GTS operators within the Vertical Corridor and to the NEURC for the prompt decision," said Vladyslav Medvediev, Acting General Director of the Gas TSO of Ukraine.
The Trans-Balkan route has a significant potential to meet Ukraine's urgent needs and provides access to LNG sources. At the same time, the route passes through five countries and the direct application of regulated tariffs makes it commercially unprofitable compared to alternatives. Given the situation, the GTS operators have worked out an optimised solution that will allow, among other things, to use the already unused capacity of the Trans-Balkan pipeline to import gas to Ukraine at a competitive tariff, which is especially important in preparation for the next heating season.
