The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) convened officials from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the European Commission in Washington, D.C., to discuss advancing the Vertical Gas Corridor. This meeting followed earlier discussions at the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Summit in Athens in November 2025 and the Transatlantic Gas Security Summit held in Washington in February 2026.
“By partnering with the countries of the Vertical Corridor, we are opening major opportunities to expand U.S. LNG exports to Central and Eastern Europe,” said Joshua Volz. “This effort is so important to our President and Secretary because it aligns with our nation’s strengths and commitment to supporting friends and allies across Europe.”
Participants included representatives from Energy Ministries, national regulators, and Transmission System Operators (TSOs). The agenda focused on resolving regulatory issues that affect long-term planning, harmonizing tariffs for cost competitiveness, and reviewing strategic infrastructure investments required to enable full corridor capacity.
DOE stated that this initiative supports its goal of reinforcing U.S. energy leadership while helping allies secure reliable alternatives to adversarial energy suppliers. “Today’s meeting reinforces DOE’s commitment to strengthening U.S. energy leadership and helping allies secure reliable alternatives to adversarial energy suppliers. By reducing barriers to U.S. LNG exports, DOE continues to support America’s role as a leading global energy provider,” according to a statement from DOE.
In related developments supporting clean energy initiatives, DOE has launched several programs funded by recent federal legislation such as President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These include a $225 million program aimed at implementing updated building energy codes designed for resilience and efficiency (https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-225-million-program-lower-utility-bills-through-more), as well as funding opportunities for decarbonizing transportation through expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-96-million-advancing-clean-vehicle-technologies-reduce-carbon-emissions).
DOE has also released information on over 140 programs supporting President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative intended to direct 40% of certain federal investments toward disadvantaged communities (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-more-140-programs-supporting-president-bidens-justice40-initiative). In addition, DOE emphasizes technology development within its environmental management mission by collaborating with national laboratories on cleanup projects (https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/technology-development-aiding-em-mission-senior-advisor-white-tells-congress) and innovative processes like using crushed marble for groundwater remediation at legacy sites (https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/srs-tackles-groundwater-issue-using-innovative-passive-energy-process).
The department has also encouraged international engagement in transitioning toward clean energy solutions through events such as the Global Clean Energy Action Forum (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sebmi2QGbV4).
