Athens, October 3, 2025 – Today, the CEOs of the Gas Transmission System Operators (TSOs) of Greece (DESFA), Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz), Romania (Transgaz), Moldova (Vestmoldtransgaz) and Ukraine (Gas TSO of Ukraine) met in Athens, at the sidelines of the Athens Riviera Summit 2025, in the presence of the Greek Minister for the Environment & Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou. During the meeting, the TSOs 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 gas year 2025/2026. This extension is considered essential to secure the necessary flows to Ukraine during the upcoming winter season through reliable and diversified supply sources.
The Joint Address was signed by Maria Rita Galli, CEO of DESFA, Vladimir Malinov, Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz; Ion Sterian, General Director of Transgaz, on behalf of both Transgaz and Vestmoldtransgaz; and Vladyslav Medvedev, General Director of Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine. Through this initiative, the TSOs reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the Vertical Corridor, a flagship regional initiative that enables natural gas and LNG from Greece to reach Southeast and Central Europe.
Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, welcomed the signing of the Joint Address and stated: “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. 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.”
Maria Rita Galli, CEO of DESFA, underlined in her statement: “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. 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.”
