The agreements grant rights for the exploration and potential exploitation of hydrocarbons in maritime blocks south of Crete and the Peloponnese

Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras criticized a key provision in Greece’s Chevron–HELLENiQ Energy agreement during a heated parliamentary debate. Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou pushed back, insisting the contracts do not transfer sovereign rights.

Greece moves forward with a bill granting Chevron and HELLENiQ Energy exploration rights in four offshore areas, a move the government says could strengthen the country’s energy role and challenge the Turkey-Libya maritime agreement.

The former Greek prime minister criticized the government’s handling of offshore energy exploration south of Crete and raised concerns about alleged Turkish interference near Kasos, prompting a sharp response from government sources.

Mitsotakis spoke of “the digital leap our country has made in recent years,” announcing forthcoming measures to address digital addiction among minors.

Energy minister says EU rejects Turkey-Libya maritime pact as unlawful and insists Greece is exercising its sovereign rights under international law

Ankara says Greece’s offshore hydrocarbon agreement with Chevron south of Crete violates international law and maritime claims declared by Libya, renewing tensions in the eastern Mediterranean

On the ExxonMobil front, Papastavrou confirmed that Greece will conduct its first exploratory drilling in nearly half a century in the first half of 2027.

The Greek government doubles its offshore exploration area through a partnership with Chevron and Helleniq Energy, aiming for long-term energy production, economic benefits, and strengthened European energy security

A series of hydrocarbon drilling operations in Greece from 2027 to 2032

Kimberly Guilfoyle praises Greece's strategic position in energy transport and its rising influence in the global energy market during key LNG and hydrocarbon deals.

Energy, diplomacy and sovereign rights: Greece–Chevron are changing the balance in the Eastern Mediterranean

The U.S. oil major will sign four hydrocarbon exploration concessions in Athens, deepening American involvement in Greece’s energy sector and linking offshore ambitions to broader LNG and geopolitical strategy

The agreement between state-run TPAO and Chevron focuses on joint oil and natural gas exploration and production in Turkey and internationally, as Ankara seeks to expand its energy footprint and strengthen strategic partnerships

According to sources, senior executives from U.S. energy giant Chevron are expected in Athens by February 20 to sign concession agreements with the Greek state.

Industry estimates indicate that Chevron is expected to begin initial seismic surveys in these offshore blocks in 2026.

Preliminary studies by HEREMA estimate potential natural gas reserves of around 680 billion cubic meters.

Greece views Chevron’s bid for exploration rights south of Crete as a sign of U.S. trust and a possible step toward de facto maritime delimitation with Libya

Chevron and HelleniQ Energy have jointly submitted a formal bid to acquire four offshore blocks south of Crete and the Peloponnese.

With the hydrocarbons tender closing September 10, Athens hopes Chevron and HELLENiQ ENERGY will commit to offshore exploration off Crete and the Peloponnese