Eastern Mediterranean energy security cooperation

Greek and Israeli energy ministers held discussions regarding energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically focusing on the need for alternative energy routes following a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The officials reviewed the “3+1” cooperation framework involving Greece, Israel, Cyprus, and the United States, as well as the status of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnector (GSI) and the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC).

Subsequent discussions between Greek and U.S. officials expanded on these regional interconnections, emphasizing the progress of the electrical interconnection project between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Efforts also moved toward expanding the Vertical Natural Gas Corridor to include North Macedonia and Serbia, with a memorandum of understanding planned between several European gas transmission system operators. Additionally, the European Commission and European Investment Bank approved the Islands Decarbonization Fund to support energy transition and autonomy for Greek islands.

Recent diplomatic efforts have continued to prioritize these regional links. Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs Alison Hooker to discuss ongoing energy cooperation, specifically focusing on the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project and the expansion of the Vertical Gas Corridor into North Macedonia and Serbia.