The Vertical Corridor as an Artery of Peace and Prosperity for European Energy Security

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 Environment and Energy Minister, Stavros Papastavrou, speaking at the event “10 years of US-EU LNG cooperation”, as part of his visit to Washington.

During his visit to the US, Papastavrou will participate in a series of high-level meetings that strengthen the strategic energy cooperation between Greece and the US, consolidate our country’s role in the new energy architecture and contribute to the activation of the Vertical Corridor.

In his speech, Papastavrou directly linked energy policy to geopolitical stability, emphasizing that the diversification of energy sources is now a strategic imperative for Europe, especially after the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

He underlined that Greece has taken a clear position in favor of Ukraine from the very beginning, adding 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 is a regional gas transit hub”

The Greek minister pointed out 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”, since it connects countries that were previously divided. As he said, Greece has changed from a net consumer country to a regional gas transit hub. He indicated 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 directed to exports 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 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 separately 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”

The minister placed particular emphasis on the need to prevent Russian gas from re-entering the European market through alternative routes, noting 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 Turkey and anyone else who is willing to open the ‘back door’ to Russian gas and undermine this common effort,” he emphasized.

In conclusion, Papastavrou underlined 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.”

The Greek minister’s visit to Washington follows the energy agreements signed in the framework of the Transatlantic Energy Conference (P-TEC), aimed at further deepening US-EU cooperation in the LNG sector and strengthening energy security infrastructure in Southeastern Europe.

On Tuesday, Papastavrou will participate in the “Transatlantic Gas Security and Vertical Corridor Summit”, which will focus on security of supply and coordination of the region’s energy networks.