Greece’s Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou called for faster European coordination on energy infrastructure, saying the European Union needs a central plan to create a truly integrated electricity market.
Speaking ahead of the EU Energy Ministers’ Council meeting in Luxembourg, Papastavrou said the focus of the discussions was on electricity networks and interconnections between member states.
“Europe must move quickly toward central planning,” he said, arguing that stronger links between national energy systems are essential for energy security, competitiveness and European cohesion.
According to the minister, electricity networks and cross-border connections are not merely technical issues, but affect citizens and businesses by helping reduce differences in energy prices between EU countries.
Greece highlights investment in energy connections
Papastavrou said the Greek government has been investing in energy networks and interconnections since 2019.
He referred to the successful completion of a capital increase for Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), which he said will support the completion of its investment program.
The minister also highlighted planned electricity connections with Greek islands, including Crete, the North Aegean islands, the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.
Once completed, these projects are expected to provide an estimated benefit of €1 billion for Greek consumers, according to Papastavrou.
He added that strong national and European energy networks are key to ensuring affordable energy prices and greater protection against energy challenges, saying Europe “cannot and should not compromise” on this goal.
