Greece is looking to establish itself as the southern gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports to Europe, particularly in light of the European Union's initiative to halt Russian gas supplies completely by 2027. The Financial Times reported that Athens believes it possesses the necessary capabilities for this role, including its strategic location on the southeastern coast of Europe and existing gas liquefaction facilities. The recent improvements in Greece's infrastructure, alongside its strong ties to the United States, which has been supplying large quantities of LNG to Europe, further reinforce its ambitions.

Prior to the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Russia supplied approximately 40% of the EU's gas requirements. That figure has since plummeted to 11% in 2024, reflecting the significant impact of geopolitical tensions on energy supplies. In response to the decline in Russian gas availability, the United States has stepped in to fill the gap, currently covering around 60% of Europe's gas imports. This shift in the energy landscape presents an opportunity for Greece to play a vital role in ensuring European energy security.

Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou emphasized the need for Europe to seek alternative energy sources and stated, 'We will not finance the aggressor,' highlighting Greece's commitment to stand against Russian energy influence. As the energy transition progresses, Greece's plans could lead to a more diversified energy portfolio for Europe, reducing dependency on any single supplier and enhancing the continent's energy independence in the years to come.