Greece highlighted its growing role in the energy sector as it hosted the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), held on Monday in Washington under the presidency of Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou.
The meeting, organized following a joint invitation by Papastavrou and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, focused on energy security, regional cooperation, critical infrastructure and the strategic future of the organization.
The participating countries adopted a unanimous joint statement recognizing that natural gas development in the Eastern Mediterranean must take place within the framework of international law.
The reference comes at a time when energy security and the resilience of energy systems remain key issues amid wider geopolitical challenges.
Eastern Mediterranean as an energy corridor
The meeting brought together energy officials and representatives from Greece, the United States, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Italy and Palestine, as well as representatives from the European Union and the World Bank.
Discussions focused on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, cooperation on energy security, critical infrastructure and the long-term planning of the EMGF.
According to the forum’s declaration, the EMGF serves as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening energy security in the region and promoting development based on shared principles and international law.
The region was also presented as a strategic energy corridor connecting the Middle East, Europe and Africa, with natural gas playing a central role in the development of interconnected and resilient energy systems.
Greece’s role in regional energy cooperation
Following the meeting, Papastavrou said Greece’s presidency of the forum reflects the country’s recognized role in Eastern Mediterranean energy affairs.
He said the participation of countries from the region, along with the European Union and international organizations, demonstrated a commitment to dialogue and cooperation on natural gas issues.
Papastavrou added that Greece aims to support a framework based on respect for international law, mutually accepted principles and commercial rules, with the goal of strengthening stability and energy security.
New leadership for the forum
During the meeting, Israel’s Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen was appointed president of the Ministerial Meeting for the period from August 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Italy’s Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin was appointed vice president, while Israel’s Yossi Dayan was named president of the EMGF Executive Council for the same period.
The ministers and delegation leaders also thanked the United States for hosting the meeting, saying the initiative reflected a shared effort to promote cooperation and strengthen the resilience of energy systems across the region.
