Energy ministers from the United States and several European countries gathered in Athens, Greece, to discuss strategies that improve energy supply to Ukraine. The meeting, hosted by the Atlantic Council, witnessed the participation of more than 80 U.S. officials, European Union ministers, and executives of leading liquefied natural gas companies.
The U.S. delegation was led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed participants and stressed Greece’s importance as a regional energy hub.
Focus on Pipeline Networks
Officials assessed the newly upgraded regional pipeline network that connects Greece with neighboring states. They emphasized the vertical Corridor, a north-south gas corridor linking Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. Leaders noted that this corridor enhances energy security in Southeast Europe and creates new opportunities to supply gas to Ukraine. They also stressed the significance of expanding infrastructure and capacity in response to Ukraine’s increasing demand.
U.S. LNG Exports
The U.S. delegation promoted LNG exports as a reliable substitute for Russian supplies. President Donald Trump ordered the expansion of LNG shipments to Europe, and officials used the meeting in Athens to encourage European partners to purchase more U.S. gas. U.S. energy corporate bosses laid out their plans for growing production and improving the delivery system, calling American LNG a stable energy with less dependency on Russian supplies.
European Commitment to Ukraine
The European Ministers reconfirmed their commitment to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. They stated that consistent energy supplies are needed for Ukraine in order to keep its economy on its feet and to protect its citizens. Leaders from Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary described their efforts toward making their infrastructures flexible for newer gas sources. They reiterated their solidarity with Ukraine and their commitment to working with the U.S. in the long run.
Greece’s Strategic Role
Greece’s role was stressed as that of another continental gateway for energy flow to Europe. The Revithoussa LNG terminal near Athens already receives shipments both from the United States and from other suppliers worldwide. Greece has plans for the enlargement of its operation as a key transit country for energy supply. As Prime Minister Mitsotakis accentuated, Greece supports Ukraine and stands ready to facilitate energy cooperation across the region.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The U.S. intervened as the leading global LNG exporter while the European partners were adopting new strategies to diversify sources. The talks in Athens have illustrated energy security and its tie with political stability implications for Europe.
Conclusion
U.S. and European energy leaders met in Greece to design strategies that strengthen Ukraine’s energy supply. They centered the talks on pipeline networks and LNG exports, as well as regional cooperation. Greece positioned itself as a central hub, and European ministers vowed to uphold solidarity towards Ukraine. The U.S. stated its case for being a major supplier, followed by calls for having dependable alternatives to Russian energy.
