Skopje, 4 September 2026 (MIA) -- Minister of Energy, Mining and Minerals Sanja Bozhinovska signed a memorandum of cooperation Friday in Thessaloniki at the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum, officially bringing the country into the Vertical Gas Corridor.

Speaking before the signing, Bozhinovska said the energy corridor was more than just pipeline infrastructure, describing it as a new security, economic and geostrategic framework for Southeast Europe.

"I am exceptionally proud to announce that, following intense diplomatic efforts, North Macedonia is officially joining the Vertical Gas Corridor today," Bozhinovska said. "This is a historic moment that, after a full three decades, puts an end to our complete reliance on a single gas route."

The energy minister said the interconnection with Greece was expected to become operational in 2027. Once launched, it will secure an initial capacity of 1.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, with the realistic potential to double that capacity to 2.8 billion cubic meters in the future.

"Macedonia's vision does not stop here," Bozhinovska said. "We are immediately moving forward with the next step: the planned 23-kilometer interconnector with Serbia. Through this project, North Macedonia aims to become a key energy transit hub connecting the South to Central and Eastern Europe."

She added that the country also views the Vertical Gas Corridor as a catalyst for the green transition.

Before signing the memorandum, Bozhinovska participated in an SEEF panel alongside her counterparts from Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus, where she focused on infrastructure connectivity.

"Most of the administrative work for the interconnector with Greece is finished, the pipes are there, and land acquisition is already being processed, so we are on the right track," the energy minister said.

"We have 68 kilometers and are progressing as planned. Next June is the expected completion date for this. With Serbia, we signed the agreement last week. It is only 23 kilometers, but there is still a long road ahead because we are just starting. That means the end of next year or the beginning of 2028, everything from Greece to Serbia will be ready."

Earlier in the day, the minister participated in a panel at the 6th Thessaloniki Metropolitan Summit, organized by the Economist, where the Vertical Gas Corridor was the main topic of discussion.

Both events were dedicated to energy security and they brought together ministers, representatives of major energy companies, international institutions, experts, regulators and investors. mr/

Фото/стрим: МИА