Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke during the opening ceremony of the Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector in Niš, outlining the growth of gas deliveries from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria. He noted that in 2023 the supply is expected to reach about 1 billion cubic meters, marking a significant increase after earlier years of steady growth. The message highlighted a continuing trend of expanding energy cooperation in the region, with Azerbaijani gas gradually increasing its share in the Bulgarian market. The projection for the year emphasizes the role of Azerbaijan as a stable supplier in Southeastern Europe, especially given the diversification goals of Bulgaria and its neighbors. (Attribution: official remarks and regional energy press)
According to Aliyev, the initial shipments from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria began two years earlier, with 270 million cubic meters delivered in 2021 and the volume climbing to just over 500 million cubic meters in 2022. The steady rise reflects the readiness of both sides to deepen energy ties and to solidify a predictable supply line that supports Bulgaria’s energy security and regional energy markets. This gradual buildup sets a foundation for larger-scale integration of Caspian gas into the European energy mix, aligning with broader European diversification strategies. (Attribution: press conference recap)
Aliyev reiterated that the goal for 2023 is roughly 1 billion cubic meters, underscoring the continuity of the supply chain and the reliability of Azerbaijan as a partner in regional energy infrastructure projects. The Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector serves as a key conduit that not only enhances cross-border energy trade but also strengthens the interconnectedness of the Balkan energy corridor. The development plan envisions steady throughput growth and potential future upgrades to accommodate higher volumes as demand and market conditions evolve. (Attribution: regional energy briefing)
In Serbia, the opening of the connecting gas pipeline on December 10 marked a milestone for the three countries involved. The system is designed to draw gas from Azerbaijan with the long-term prospect of integrating liquefied natural gas from Greece as a supplementary supply channel. This arrangement supports greater energy diversification and resilience for the region, reducing dependence on any single source and enabling more flexible responses to market fluctuations. (Attribution: regional energy installation notes)
Earlier statements from other regional officials indicated a broader strategy to connect Azerbaijan more deeply with European energy projects. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak mentioned Russia’s awareness of Azerbaijan’s interest in participating in the so-called gas center initiative in Turkey, a project aimed at creating a hub to streamline gas flow and pricing across the region. The dialogue around this hub reflects ongoing negotiations and strategic considerations among countries with interest in shaping the energy landscape of Southeast Europe and adjacent markets. (Attribution: official remarks and regional energy commentary)
There have been prior references to plans by Russia and Turkey to intensify work on establishing a gas hub, highlighting a wider regional vision that combines infrastructure development with policy coordination. The evolving conversations around a gas hub, LNG capacity, and interconnector projects illustrate how major energy players are aligning their strategies to support stable supplies while pursuing market diversification. The overarching aim remains to secure reliable energy access for consumers in Bulgaria, Serbia, and neighboring economies, while engaging in multilateral initiatives that may influence pricing, transit, and security considerations in the broader European energy framework. (Attribution: regional energy policy briefings)