In 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that the Eastern Mediterranean holds 122 trillion cubic meters of natural gas and 1.7 trillion barrels of oil. These quantities could cover Europe’s energy needs for the next 30 years. The region immediately became a target for major energy companies. These estimates have been largely confirmed by discoveries within Israeli and Egyptian exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Reserves in the Cypriot EEZ are more limited in volume. Greece has recently entered the logic of exploration and, should deposits be found, their commercial exploitation.
The University of Nicosia School of Law at UNIC Athens, in partnership with the Institute of Energy for Southeast Europe (IENE), is hosting a conference on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, titled “Eastern Mediterranean Energy Resources and Their Development: Challenges and Prospects.” The conference is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The conference speakers, top-level professionals in the energy sector, academics specializing in international law, geopolitics, and energy infrastructure, as well as market practitioners, will discuss developments in the energy field with a focus on:
- The strategic, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean
- Geopolitical risk management
- The regulatory framework for cooperation with third countries
- The region’s role in European energy security and adequacy
- How Eastern Mediterranean energy resources can strengthen Greece’s geoeconomic position
- Developments in the renewable energy sector
- Electricity market operations, capacity adequacy, and international electricity interconnections
- Cooperation with the Balkans and developments around energy corridors (e.g., Vertical Corridor, ICGB, etc.)
- The planning of the IMEC commercial corridor
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Venue: Georgios Papanikolaou Amphitheater, University of Nicosia UNIC Athens (17 29th Street, Elliniko)
Doors open: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Start: 10:30 a.m.
End: 5:35 p.m.
Contact: Maria Anna Iosifidou | T: 2114447221 | E: iosifidou.m@unic.ac.cy
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission is free but registration is required: https://www.unic.ac.cy/54dq
Those wishing to receive a certificate of attendance should indicate so via email: law-athens@unic.ac.cy. The certificate will be sent after the conclusion of the conference by email.
