Greece Strengthens Its Role in Transatlantic Energy Strategy
Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, met last week with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Chair of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, Doug Burgum, and the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Vice Chair of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, Chris Wright, in the presence of the Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Mr. Antonis Alexandridis, and the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle.
At the center of the discussion between the Greek Minister and the American officials was the close bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with emphasis on the recent energy agreements with the Chevron–Helleniq Energy consortium, as well as those signed at P-TEC and at the summit organized by the White House.
The Transatlantic Gas Security Summit held on Tuesday, February 24th, in Washington, D.C., at the initiative of the White House National Energy Dominance Council, marked a significant development for Greece’s energy strategy.
Of the six energy agreements announced, five directly concern Greek interests and the Vertical Energy Corridor. These outcomes further consolidate Greece’s position as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub in Southeast Europe. Hosted by the Donald Trump Institute for Peace, the summit aimed to deepen transatlantic cooperation on LNG and accelerate critical infrastructure projects designed to enhance the region’s energy resilience.
New LNG Agreements Strengthen Greece’s Gateway Role
A key development was the signing of new long-term agreements for the sale of American LNG by Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, a company in which AKTOR Group holds a 60% stake and DEPA Commercial 40%. The agreements involve four countries participating in the Vertical Corridor and are expected to reinforce Greece’s role as a primary entry and distribution gateway for natural gas to Central and Eastern Europe.
Papastavrou’s High-Level Meetings in Washington
Following the talks, Minister Papastavrou emphasized that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic energy partnership between Greece and the U.S., noting that the Greek side “paved the way for the Vertical Corridor,” an initiative with geopolitical significance recognized by the countries attending the conference, which was organized under the auspices of the White House. Special emphasis was placed on Greece’s role as an entry point for U.S. natural gas to Europe, describing the country as a “reliable hub of energy security.”
Minister Papastavrou also mentioned that the next phase of Greece’s energy strategy includes developing the hydrocarbons sector and exploring the potential for natural gas production, aiming, as he stated, to strengthen the Greek economy and contribute to Europe’s energy sufficiency.
“Energy is power: the power of security, the power of growth, and the power of international influence,” the minister said, adding that Greece is advancing with national confidence in the new energy landscape emerging in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Sources:
