Papastavrou Calls for Immediate Steps to Unify the Electricity Market

Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou on Thursday emphasized the urgent need for deeper integration of the electricity market in Southeastern Europe, calling it a necessary step for regional prosperity and energy resilience. His remarks were delivered during the informal Ministerial Council of the Energy Community in Athens, held to commemorate the organization’s 20th anniversary.

The event brought together top energy officials from across the region, including European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen and Energy Community Director Artur Lorkowski, along with ministers and deputy ministers from 10 participating countries.

“Our region has historically remained only partially integrated into the broader European energy system,” Papastavrou said. “This has been a structural weakness, but one we now have the opportunity—and responsibility—to overcome.”

He praised the progress achieved in the natural gas sector, particularly through the development of the vertical corridor and LNG infrastructure that now supplies countries as far as Ukraine and Moldova, reducing dependence on Russian gas. However, he noted that the electricity sector remains a major challenge, due to its technical complexity and strict regulation.

“It’s time to close the gap,” Papastavrou said. “Further integration of electricity markets will mean more stability, affordability, and sustainability for all.”

Commissioner Jorgensen echoed this message, pointing to the EU’s ongoing efforts to fully decouple from Russian energy sources. He noted the dramatic decline in Russian fuel imports across the bloc since 2022 and underscored the importance of a proposed legislative ban on Russian gas by 2027.

“Energy should never again be used as a geopolitical weapon,” Jorgensen said. “The way forward is clear: stronger cooperation, faster integration, and firm commitment to the EU’s decarbonization goals.”

The council concluded with a shared commitment to enhanced cross-border collaboration in energy policy and infrastructure.

Source: pagenews.gr