Following talks at CERAWeek, Greek Ministers and Chevron agreed on steps to fast-track offshore exploration, with seismic surveys south of Crete planned before the end of 2026.

Stavros Papastavrou returns to CERAWeek in Texas to discuss next steps with Chevron and ExxonMobil – On the table are timelines for exploratory drilling, studies, and seismic surveys

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.

Parliament will decide on contracts granting offshore hydrocarbon exploration rights south of the Peloponnese and Crete to a Chevron–Helleniq Energy consortium, as Athens advances its energy strategy.

The Greek prime minister defended the government’s energy strategy and offshore agreements, dismissing what he described as “professional worriers” and insisting Greece is firmly exercising its sovereign rights

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.

Athens navigates a shifting relationship with Washington as communication gaps, new power dynamics and regional tensions test a long-standing alliance in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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

Greece advances an offshore exploration partnership with Chevron while negotiating a long-term LNG supply deal, as U.S.-hosted talks on the Vertical Corridor