North Macedonia plans to join the Vertical Gas Corridor in September. The move is aimed at shifting its gas system from a relatively isolated national network to part of a wider north-south supply route across Southeast Europe. The corridor entry is tied to cross-border infrastructure developments described for the country.
Greece interconnector and LNG access
A key element of the strategy is a planned interconnector with Greece, expected to enter operation in 2027. When completed, the connection would enable North Macedonia to access LNG arriving via the Alexandroupoli and Revythoussa terminals. It would also provide access to Azerbaijani gas entering Southeast Europe through TANAP and TAP.
North Macedonia currently remains heavily dependent on a single gas supply route. The planned Greece link is intended to broaden sourcing options through the LNG and pipeline routes connected to Southeast Europe. This would change how gas can be routed into the country once the interconnector is operational.
Link toward Serbia and potential northbound flows
A second interconnector is being developed towards Serbia. Together, the Greek and Serbian links could eventually allow gas to move through North Macedonia towards markets further north. This would reduce the extent to which flows terminate primarily in the domestic market.
The Vertical Gas Corridor is not a single pipeline. It combines existing transmission networks, interconnectors and LNG infrastructure to facilitate northbound flows from Greece through Southeast and Central Europe. The corridor design therefore relies on multiple components rather than one dedicated line.
Participants and hydrogen-ready design
Countries already participating in the Vertical Gas Corridor include Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Slovakia and Hungary. Serbia is also moving towards participation. North Macedonia’s September entry is positioned within this broader set of cross-border connections.
North Macedonia is also incorporating a longer-term decarbonisation element into its infrastructure programme. The new interconnectors are being designed to accommodate up to 100% hydrogen, potentially enabling them to form part of future European hydrogen transport networks.
Skopje’s supply security and transit use
For Skopje, the corridor is described as both a supply-security project and a potential transit-market strategy. The country seeks greater flexibility in sourcing gas while increasing utilisation of its transmission infrastructure.
