Greece’s role as an emerging energy hub in Southeastern Europe and the strategic importance of the Vertical Corridor for Europe’s energy security were highlighted by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, speaking at the event “10 years of US-EU LNG cooperation”, as part of his visit to Washington.
In his speech, Papastavrou directly linked energy policy to geopolitical stability, emphasizing that energy diversification is now a strategic imperative for Europe, especially following the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As he noted, Greece took a clear position in favor of Ukraine from the very beginning, emphasizing that the Greek stance is also linked to its own historical experiences.
“Greece understood this from the very beginning and took a clear position in favor of Ukraine. And how could it do otherwise, given the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation of Cyprus? We do not treat sovereignty as an abstract concept. We know what its violation means in practice. For us, security is a matter of national interest and determination. That is why our energy choices are fully aligned with our security commitments, as well as with our principles,” he said.
Greece transformed into a regional energy hub
The Greek minister noted that the European Union is now the largest destination for US LNG exports, while describing the Vertical Corridor as an “ artery of peace and prosperity,” as it connects countries that were previously divided.
As he said, Greece has transformed from a country of clean consumption into a regional gas transit hub. He stated that in 2019, the country imported approximately 6 to 7 billion cubic meters (BCM), which were consumed domestically, while in 2024 imports amounted to 17 BCM, of which 11 were exported to neighboring countries.
He made particular reference to the cooperation of the countries participating in the Vertical Corridor, noting that this is an initiative that requires the coordination of five states and an equal number of transmission system operators, characterizing it as historic.
According to him, the commercial route “ Route 1” can extend from Revithoussa to Kiev, giving the project a clear geopolitical dimension.
Papastavrou also stressed that energy markets cannot be considered in isolation from the international security environment. “Gas markets in times of war are not neutral transactions, but have direct geopolitical consequences. Correcting this contradiction was and remains a strategic imperative. Diversification is no longer a matter of flexibility, it is a matter of strategic necessity.”
“Russian gas must not re-enter Europe indirectly”
He also placed particular emphasis on the need to prevent the re-entry of Russian gas into the European market through alternative routes, pointing out that this constitutes a real risk to Europe’s collective strategy.
“We must remain vigilant. Russian gas must not re-enter Europe indirectly, through alternative routes that undermine our collective strategy. The United States and the European Commission must work closely, persist, and deter Turkiye and anyone else who is willing to open the ‘back door’ to Russian gas and undermine this common effort,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, Papastavrou stressed that Greece will continue to operate with consistency and strategic discipline. “Greece will continue to act with consistency, strategic discipline, and a clear sense of purpose, actively contributing to a secure, competitive, and energy-resilient Europe.”
On Tuesday, Papastavrou will participate in the “Transatlantic Summit on Natural Gas Security and the Vertical Corridor”, which will focus on security of supply and the coordination of the region’s energy networks.
