Atlantic SEE LNG Trade — a joint venture between Greece’s DEPA Commercial and AKTOR Group — announced today (24 June 2026) a landmark $9 billion agreement to supply 1.5 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually from the United States to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, beginning in 2030. The deal was unveiled at a press conference attended by Greek Minister for Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Gilfoil.
A Strategic Expansion of LNG Supply
The agreement doubles Atlantic SEE LNG Trade’s existing LNG purchase volume from U.S.-based Venture Global — relative to its original November contract — securing supplies for 20 years starting in 2030. Under the new terms, 1 billion cubic meters per year will be delivered to Albania, and 500 million cubic meters to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Greece’s Vertical Corridor Takes Center Stage
Minister Papastavrou emphasized that Greece’s ‘Vertical Corridor’ — a natural gas infrastructure initiative designed to deliver gas from international sources through Greece to Southeastern and Central Europe — is a long-term strategic asset. “Greece plays a central role in the new energy architecture,” he said. “New opportunities are emerging: Cypriot gas will soon enter the European market as LNG, and Greece itself may become a natural gas producer within a few years. In this evolving landscape, the Vertical Corridor will play a decisive role.”
U.S.–Greece Partnership Reinforced
Ambassador Gilfoil underscored that the agreement strengthens U.S.–Greece cooperation beyond commercial interests, delivering tangible energy security for the region. She noted it enhances Greece’s position as an energy hub and benefits both the United States and regional partners by expanding their energy options, resilience, and independence.
Building a Resilient European Energy Future
Konstantinos Xipharas, Chairman of Atlantic SEE LNG Trade and CEO of DEPA Commercial, stressed that Greece and the United States are jointly shaping a safer, more resilient, and diversified energy future for Europe. “Access to reliable supply sources is not just an economic issue,” he said, “but one of stability, resilience, and strategic autonomy.” He highlighted Greece’s investments in infrastructure and interconnections — positioning the country as a gateway to Central and Eastern Europe.
National Significance and Regional Expansion
Alexandros Exarchou, CEO of Atlantic SEE LNG Trade and Chairman & CEO of the AKTOR Group, described the agreement as having national significance, backed by both the Greek and U.S. governments. He confirmed that further gas supply agreements with additional regional countries — already under preliminary discussion — are expected to follow. Notably, Exarchou is also in talks with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a fact recently highlighted by Ambassador Gilfoil on X (formerly Twitter).