The 7th Budapest LNG Summit, the premier gas and LNG conference in Central and South-Eastern Europe, will take place on May 7, 2026, at the Hotel Marriott Budapest. The annual high-level forum will once again gather senior energy executives, policymakers, transmission system operators, LNG terminal representatives and financial experts from more than 25 countries to address the strategic challenges shaping the future of gas in the region.
As Europe continues to accelerate the phase-out of Russian gas and strengthen supply diversification, LNG and cross-border infrastructure have become central pillars of regional energy security. Against this backdrop, the 2026 edition of the Summit will focus on geopolitics, infrastructure development, market integration, and the evolving global gas and LNG landscape.
Among the already confirmed speakers is Gergely Molnár, Gas Analyst at the International Energy Agency, who will present a comprehensive outlook on global gas and LNG market trends, analysing how the upcoming wave of new LNG capacity could reshape supply patterns in Europe.
The 2026 agenda will cover the geopolitical implications of the Russian gas phase-out, the role of LNG in enhancing European and regional energy security, and the expansion of LNG terminals, storage facilities and interconnectors across Central and Eastern Europe. Luis Sanchez, Head of LNG at MET International, will provide a trader’s perspective on LNG contracting, portfolio optimisation, and the integration of global LNG flows into Central European markets.
Dr Vitaliy Baylarbayov, Deputy Vice President of SOCAR, will present Azerbaijan’s perspective on regional gas supply diversification and SOCAR’s expanding role in supporting Europe’s energy security through strategic partnerships and infrastructure cooperation. Mithat Aydin, Deputy General Manager of BOTAŞ, will share insights into Türkiye’s growing role as a regional gas hub and the expansion of LNG and pipeline interconnections linking South-East Europe. Gábor Orbán, CEO of MVM ONEnergy, will address Hungary’s long-term gas sourcing strategy and the role of LNG in ensuring stable and diversified supply for the country and the wider region.
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Special attention will be given to the future of the Vertical Corridor and infrastructure investments in a volatile economic environment. Szabolcs I. Ferencz, CEO of FGSZ, Hungary’s gas transmission system operator, will discuss cross-border capacity development and the strategic importance of interconnected infrastructure in strengthening regional resilience, together with other infrastructure operators such as Konstantinos Sifnaios, Vice President and Managing Director of Gastrade, Vladimir Malinov, Executive Director and Member of the Management Board of Bulgartransgaz, and Milan Sedlacek, Head of EU Affairs and Strategy at Eustream.
Over the years, the Budapest LNG Summit has established itself as the region’s premier platform for strategic dialogue and high-level networking. As global LNG markets enter a new phase of expansion and competition, the 7th edition of the Budapest LNG Summit aims to provide clarity, foster cooperation, and support informed decision-making for the next chapter of gas market development in Central and South-Eastern Europe.
Further information and registration on the website of the Budapest LNG Summit.