Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou outlined the government’s strategy for energy corridors, infrastructure development and the utilisation of Greece’s domestic energy resources during a roundtable discussion at the Energy Corridors Summit 2026, held in Athens on Thursday. The event focused on energy diplomacy, infrastructure security and emerging energy transport corridors.

Papastavrou stated that “Europe realised it did not have a truly integrated energy market”, noting that until recently the EU effectively consisted of 27 fragmented national energy markets. “What began as an economic necessity acquired a geopolitical dimension,” he said. He added that the EU is taking significant steps forward and that the implementation of new energy corridors will rely heavily on private-sector investment rather than being “a process exclusively between states”.

Referring to the 3+1 cooperation framework involving Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States, Papastavrou described it as a platform for stability and cooperation that establishes the conditions under which business activity can expand and new investments can be made across the region. He also highlighted the opportunities that Ukraine’s future reconstruction is expected to create for Greek businesses in the infrastructure and energy sectors.

On hydrocarbon exploration and development, the minister stressed that Greece is proceeding with sustainability as its guiding principle and not “development at any cost”. He noted that the exploratory drilling planned for 2027 will be carried out using one of the most environmentally advanced vessels operating internationally.

At the same time, he emphasised that Greece must develop all available forms of energy, with particular focus on investments in energy storage. “Sustainable development and energy storage are matters of national importance,” he said.
On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou underlined that energy now lies at the centre of international developments, noting that energy networks, interconnectivity and the diversification of energy sources have become top priorities for Europe.

According to Chatzivasileiou, Greece can become a joint architect of Europe’s energy framework by leveraging its strategic partnerships. He also referred to the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on Russian natural gas by 2027, as well as the prospect of an Israel-Greece pipeline. “We want to change the direction of energy flows, which traditionally moved from north to south,” he said, adding that Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States all stand to benefit significantly from this new energy partnership.

Deputy Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Stefanos Gkikas highlighted the pivotal role of Greek shipping in safeguarding global energy flows. He noted that the Greek fleet comprises approximately 5,800 vessels and accounts for 20 per cent of global shipping capacity, 23 per cent of the world’s LNG fleet and 61 per cent of the European Union’s commercial shipping capacity. He stressed that developments in the Middle East and along critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz underscore the importance of maritime security for global energy transport.