Mitsotakis Warns: “No Gas Through Turkey’s Back Door” – Greece Becomes Europe’s Energy Gateway

A loud geopolitical signal came from Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) at the Zappeio Hall in Athens, attended by US officials and Southeast European countries.

“We cannot have natural gas entering Europe through the back door, that is, Turkey,” the Prime Minister said, sending a clear message to Ankara while emphasizing Greece’s role as the gateway to Europe’s energy future.

“Greece as an Energy and Security Provider”

Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s new energy identity, stressing:“Greece is now a provider of energy and energy security for all of Southeast Europe.”

With ministers from the US and Balkan countries present, he referenced Greece’s green transition and strategic investments that have reshaped its energy landscape: – Since 2019, Greece gradually phased out lignite, which previously provided 60% of electricity. – Renewable energy now covers over 50% of domestic electricity needs. – In 2024, Greece became a net electricity exporter, earning €122 million.

“In six years, we went from energy dependency to energy export,” he emphasized.

“Energy Revolution” and American Allies

The US stands firmly by Greece.US Energy Secretary Chris Wright declared that Greece will serve as the entry point for US LNG into Europe:“Greece is the free world’s gateway for energy independence from Russia.”

He also announced US plans to finance regional energy infrastructure through projects of Greek interest.

Greek-American Energy Front

This cooperation was sealed with the historic ExxonMobil, HELLENiQ Energy, and Energean agreement to start hydrocarbon extraction in Block 2 of the Ionian Sea — the first in 40 years.

Meanwhile, Greek company ATLANTIC–SEE LNG TRADE signed a 20-year deal with US-based Venture Global for 1.5 million tons of LNG annually, starting in 2030.“This deal reshapes the regional energy map and solidifies the Athens–Washington alliance,” diplomatic sources noted.

“Vertical Corridor” and New Geopolitical Architecture

Mitsotakis stressed the importance of the Vertical Corridor, a natural gas network running through Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine, enhancing Europe’s energy independence.“Greece is the gateway for the gas that will replace Russian imports,” he stated.

Athens, he said, “will not allow energy bypasses through Turkey”, asserting that Europe’s energy security now passes through Greek territory.

From Lignite to Artificial Intelligence

The meeting concluded with a Greece-US joint declaration on cooperation in AI, green technology, and energy innovation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theocharis emphasized:“Greece is a reliable and strategic US ally. Together, we shape a future of growth and security.”

US official Jacob Helberg added that this new cooperation links energy security with AI and geopolitical influence.

 From Consumer to Leader

In just six years, Greece transformed from an energy consumer to a regional energy provider, turning its geography into a diplomatic advantage.With the US by its side and Turkey sidelined, Athens aims to secure its position as the main hub for energy, security, and innovation in Southeast Europe.