Greece Highlights Strategic Role in Energy and Geopolitics at 6th Economist Business Conference in New York

The 6th Economist Eastern Mediterranean Business Conference convened in New York this week, spotlighting the evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics among Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. Government officials, business leaders, and policy analysts gathered to explore new opportunities for collaboration across energy, innovation, investment, and capital markets.

The high-level event underscored the region’s growing strategic importance in global energy security and supply chain resilience, particularly in light of Europe’s urgent push to diversify away from Russian fossil fuels.

Representing Greece, Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou laid out Athens’ regional strategy in the energy sector, emphasising the country’s emerging role as a linchpin in Europe’s new energy architecture.

“Our goal is clear: to find a sustainable alternative to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels. We have to be honest about it — it is the European goal, and Greece is truly serving this mission,” Chatzivasileiou stated.

He highlighted key infrastructure projects including the GREGY interconnector, the Great Sea Interconnector, and the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, which are designed to enhance regional connectivity and energy flow. The Deputy Minister also underlined the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), positioning Greece as a natural entry point to the European continent.

“Beyond energy, Greece remains a formidable maritime power — nearly a quarter of the world’s merchant fleet is owned by Greek shipowners,” he added. “Platforms such as the 3+1 initiative offer strategic frameworks for collaboration with countries that share our vision for resilience, innovation, and long-term stability.”

The conference reaffirmed the importance of Eastern Mediterranean cooperation, with all parties recognising the potential of shared infrastructure and diplomatic alignment to bolster both regional and global economic security.