The United States is considering new funding options to support infrastructure projects that would expand the Vertical Gas Corridor and strengthen gas transmission systems across southeastern Europe. The goal is to increase the flow of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine and boost regional energy security.
The initiative is gaining momentum ahead of a business forum scheduled to take place in Athens in early November, where the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will participate. The DFC, which has been active in financing energy projects in the Middle East and North Africa, is expected to evaluate potential investments in new pipeline links and the modernization of existing networks across the five-nation Vertical Gas Corridor—Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.
Currently, the corridor and the Greek LNG terminals at Revythoussa and Alexandroupoli do not have sufficient capacity to meet the increasing demand for natural gas, which is expected to replace about 15 billion cubic meters of Russian gas still passing through southeastern Europe. The proposed expansion aims to strengthen Europe’s energy independence and ensure stable alternative supply routes for Ukraine.