The Bulgarian Hydrogen, fuel cells and energy storage Association (BGH2A) welcomes the European Commission’s recently announced strategy to strengthen support for Member States along the EU’s Eastern borders.1 We particularly acknowledge the explicit reference to cross-border hydrogen infrastructure projects such as the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor.
In this context, we would like to highlight the equal strategic importance of the South-East European Hydrogen Corridor (also referred to as the Balkan Hydrogen Corridor) for increased security, resilience, cohesion and competitiveness of the European Union.
A Strategic Southern Hydrogen Axis for Europe
The South-East European Hydrogen Corridor connects Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and further to Central European markets. It establishes a critical South–North hydrogen axis, linking the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Europe to the wider European hydrogen backbone.
At a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, this corridor:
- Strengthens energy security along the EU’s Eastern flank
- Enhances diversification of supply routes
- Reduces structural energy asymmetries within the Union
- Supports the objectives of REPowerEU and the EU Hydrogen Strategy
Balanced development of both Northern (Nordic-Baltic) and Southern (South-East European) hydrogen corridors is essential for a truly integrated European energy system.
Moreover, Bulgaria’s state-owned gas transmission operator Bulgartransgaz secured EU funding for developing a 250-kilometre hydrogen route from Sofia to Kulata crossing at the border with Greece.
The project is the first phase of Bulgaria’s hydrogen backbone and a key part of the South-East European Hydrogen Corridor that aims to deliver hydrogen from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond from Magreba to Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria and Germany.
Infrastructure Readiness and Cost Efficiency
The South-East European corridor benefits from existing gas transmission infrastructure and established regional electricity grid, gas, digital and transport interconnections.
This creates a strong foundation for:
- Cost-efficient repurposing of infrastructure for hydrogen transport
- Accelerated implementation timelines
- Cross-border regulatory coordination among experienced transmission system operators
The region is therefore not starting from zero but building upon tangible assets and operational cooperation.
Enabling Regional Cohesion and Industrial Decarbonisation
South-East Europe remains one of the EU regions most exposed to transition-related economic pressures. Hydrogen infrastructure development in this region will:
- Enable industrial decarbonisation and long-term economic convergence within the EU
- Support the development of renewables and clean technology, including hydrogen production capacities to support transition from coal
- Stimulate investment, innovation and skilled employment and decrease brain-drain
Call for Equal Recognition and Support
BGH2A respectfully calls for:
- Explicit political recognition of the South-East European Hydrogen Corridor as a strategic EU priority alongside other major hydrogen axes.
- Continued prioritisation under TEN-E and PCI frameworks.
- Dedicated financial and regulatory support mechanisms facilitating hydrogen infrastructure deployment in border regions.
- Close cooperation with Hydrogen Europe to accelerate market development and demand aggregation across South-East Europe.
Conclusion
If the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor reinforces Europe’s Northern hydrogen dimension, the South-East European Hydrogen Corridor secures its Southern strategic backbone.
A resilient European hydrogen network must be geographically balanced and inclusive. The Bulgarian Hydrogen Association stands ready to contribute actively to the development and implementation of this vision.
Dennitsa Nozharova
On behalf of the Bulgarian hydrogen, fuel cells and energy storage association (BGH2A)
