The Natural Gas Vertical Corridor emerges as a key pillar of European strategy to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas and enhance energy security in Southeast Europe. In this context, North Macedonia seeks to strengthen its role as a critical energy hub, leveraging interconnections with Greece and Serbia, as well as access to new sources of liquefied natural gas (LNG). As noted by the country’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozinnovska, speaking to energygame.gr on the occasion of her participation in the Delphi Economic Forum, these specific projects can contribute to the country’s integration into regional energy networks. “These projects can help position our country as an active part of regional energy flows,” emphasizing that this “strategically enhances our role as a reliable partner in the European energy diversification agenda.”
As she underlines, North Macedonia’s geographical position can be transformed into a strategic advantage only through infrastructure and interconnections. “Our task is to transform this position into concrete interconnections, market integration and reliable supply,” she notes characteristically.
It is noted that Ms. Bozinnovska is expected in Athens next week and is anticipated to have contacts with the political leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Energy regarding, among other things, the extension of the Vertical Corridor to the Western Balkans.
“The Natural Gas Vertical Corridor is gaining increasing importance” – “North Macedonia can play a constructive role by strengthening its own interconnections”
Given the strategic importance of the Natural Gas Vertical Corridor in European efforts to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas, what role do you see North Macedonia playing in this initiative and what economic and energy security benefits can it bring to the country?
The Natural Gas Vertical Corridor is gaining increasing importance as Europe seeks diversified routes outside Russian supplies and supply sources particularly through LNG. North Macedonia can play a constructive role by strengthening its own interconnections and integrating into a more comprehensive natural gas network in Southeast Europe.
Our immediate contribution is promoting projects that connect us better with Greece and Serbia. The natural gas interconnector with Greece (which is expected to become operational in 2027) opens access to Greek infrastructure and LNG routes, while the interconnection with Serbia can create a new North-South axis and support bidirectional natural gas flows. Together, these projects can help position our country as an active part of regional energy flows.
The specific benefits are clear: greater supply security, more competition, better access to alternative supply sources, stronger conditions for industry and a more attractive investment environment. Strategically, our role as a reliable partner in the European energy diversification agenda is also enhanced.
How do you evaluate the contribution of Greek companies today in North Macedonia’s energy sector? Do you see prospects for deeper cooperation, particularly in renewables, electrical interconnections and infrastructure development?
Greek companies, as well as Greece’s energy infrastructure, already play a significant role in our country’s energy landscape. Greece is one of the main energy gateways for Southeast Europe, particularly through LNG infrastructure, electrical interconnections, petroleum product supply routes and cooperation opportunities in renewables.
There is significant scope for further deepening cooperation. The natural gas interconnector with Greece is a priority project, as it can provide access to alternative natural gas sources and LNG infrastructure, enhancing supply security and market competition. In the electricity sector, strengthening regional interconnections can support cross-border trade, better system balancing and greater renewable energy penetration. In renewables, Greek companies can contribute with investments, expertise and experience from regional markets.
Therefore, our cooperation should go beyond individual projects and evolve into a broader strategic partnership, covering natural gas source diversification, electrical interconnections, renewables, storage, energy efficiency and infrastructure investments.
