Within the next few days, the European Union’s energy price task force will be activated, according to Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, speaking at the Economist conference in Athens on July 2, 2025. The task force was established following a decision by the EU Council of Energy Ministers to investigate persistent disparities in electricity prices between Central/Northern Europe and Southeastern Europe—a situation Papastavrou has highlighted since last year, echoing concerns previously raised by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The minister emphasized that these long-standing higher energy costs in Southeastern Europe challenge the integrity of the European energy model and open the door for populist rhetoric. He expressed satisfaction with the formation of the task force as a step toward addressing this imbalance.
Papastavrou also pointed to the rapid development of renewable energy sources (RES) since 2019, noting that installed RES capacity has doubled, lignite use has dropped by 91%, and carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by 46% over that period.
He further underscored Greece’s growing role as a regional energy hub, suggesting this is just the beginning, with rail and road transport infrastructure set to follow.
Cyprus’ Energy, Trade, and Industry Minister George Papanastasiou noted that the EU pushed for a green transition before the technology was mature enough to support it. He stressed the need to consider energy costs for citizens and economic competitiveness, stating that green energy must enhance—not hinder—competitiveness.
Moldova’s Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu spoke about progress in aligning national legislation with EU law, while Azerbaijan’s Deputy Energy Minister Orkhan Zeynalov emphasized the importance of upgrading gas export infrastructure to the EU, which requires financial support, regulatory assistance, and long-term commitments. Last year, Azerbaijan exported 25 billion cubic meters of gas, 13 billion of which went to the EU.
Bulgaria’s Deputy Energy Minister Iva Petrova highlighted the country’s focus on diversifying energy supply routes, citing the vertical natural gas corridor as an example of regional cooperation.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt praised Greece’s evolution into a key energy hub, pointing out that gas imports rose from 7 billion cubic meters in 2020 to 17 billion today, with surplus volumes now largely destined for export. He said Greece has changed the regional energy map, with interconnections like the Great Sea Interconnector and Egypt link offering access to low-cost power and enabling economic electrification. He also described Russia’s loss of the European market after its invasion of Ukraine as a strategic defeat.
Osama Mobarez, Secretary General of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, highlighted the benefits of regional cooperation, referencing Cyprus’ collaboration with Egypt on gas fields expected to supply Europe via Greece.
Romania’s Dan Stratan outlined the country’s strategy for a green transition and energy security, while HELLENiQ ENERGY CEO Andreas Siampisis criticized the current planning of the green shift, noting that not all countries start from the same point.
Maria Rita Galli, CEO of DESFA, announced that Ukraine purchased natural gas through Greece’s virtual trading point for the first time on July 1, and construction of the gas pipeline connecting Northern Macedonia with Greece will begin next week in Northern Macedonia.
Fabrizio Mattana, CEO of IGI Poseidon, observed that the approach to the green transition has become more realistic and less ideological, meaning natural gas will remain relevant for longer. He reaffirmed the EastMed pipeline as a strategic option for energy security.
Attorney Notis Sardelas identified three challenges needing urgent attention: accelerating grid interconnection projects, improving spatial planning, and streamlining expropriation procedures.