The cooperation between the governments of Greece and Bulgaria over the last years is at the core of the success of this project, the IGB gas interconnector pipeline, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Saturday in his greeting at the ceremony for the commercial operation of the pipeline.
The IGB pipeline will transport natural gas from Azerbaijan to Bulgaria through Greece and combined with infrastructure projects already underway will contribute to the creation of a reliable natural gas network, the prime minister said.
An energy bridge brings Greece and Bulgaria closer together and drastically changes the situation in the region, he underlined.
The prime minister also said that the start of commercial operation of the IGB pipeline is a great moment not only for South-Eastern Europe but also for Europe in general as this pipeline will significantly change the supply and security of energy for everyone in Europe.
He also expressed the hope that there will be a European solution to the issue of the energy crisis at the next meetings of the European Union in Prague and Brussels.
“As it was the case with the pandemic, we should implement a common strategy to deal with the energy crisis. We put European solidarity above national interests, Greece will always support this position and the efforts of the European Commission,” Mitsotakis underlined.
Need to adopt proposal for a ceiling on natural gas
Mitsotakis insisted on the need to adopt the proposal of the 15 member countries of the European Union to impose a ceiling on natural gas, in the statement he made upon his arrival at the ceremony.
“We have been discussing for many months about the issue of the ceiling on natural gas. This discussion has matured, 15 countries have supported this initiative and I believe that the time has come for the European Commission to move faster, to submit specific proposals so that we can now – at the latest at the regular EU summit in Brussels – take final decisions,” the prime minister said and added: “It is unthinkable at this moment that there is no European solidarity and that there are countries that follow an autonomous policy of supporting their own societies, just because they have the economic and fiscal capacity to do so. Europe must demonstrate that it can rise to the occasion and demonstrate the necessary European solidarity when faced with an existential economic crisis.”
“I want to express my great satisfaction for the fact that a very important energy interconnection project has now officially been completed,” he said and stressed: “The IGB pipeline, which connects the natural gas systems of Greece and Bulgaria will enable Bulgaria to expand its natural gas supply sources, but at the same time it strengthens Greece’s position as an important geostrategic, geopolitical player in the wider regional energy map.
The overall investments that Greece is making in Alexandroupoli demonstrate this city as a new alternative source of energy input – in the first phase of liquefied natural gas – to meet not only the needs of Greece, the needs of the Balkans, but also the needs of the central Europe.
At a time when Russia is using natural gas as a weapon, more cooperation between countries is needed to disable this clear threat attempt, which is ultimately directed against all European citizens. However, even more European cooperation is needed, similar to that which the Balkan states have demonstrated.
Latest News
Bank of Greece Governor Says EU will Retaliate to Trump’s Tarrifs
The Bank of Greece Governor defended the independence of central banks amid criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who had publicly commented on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powel
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bitcoin Surges Toward $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Optimism in US
According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency surged to an all-time high, briefly exceeding $96,898 during Asian trading hours.
Greek Driver Violations at a Touch of a Button
Traffic offences recorded in the last five years by Greece’s “Driver Behavior Control System” are now available on Gov.gr Wallet
Milan Tops List of Most Expensive Streets, Athens’ Ermou Holds Steady at 15th Place
In Athens, following Ermou Street is the southern suburb of Glyfada and Tsimiski Street in Thessaloniki.
New Gov.gr Service Enables Secure Reporting of Minor-Related Delinquency
It should also be noted that via the recently introduced initiative ‘Safe Youth’ application citizens have access to specially tailored informative material regarding the safety of children and adolescents
Thousands Strike in Athens Over Soaring Living Costs and Stagnant Wages
Inflation, particularly in food prices, has been crushing Greek households
Greece Overhauls Property Valuation System
Greece plans to launch a revamped property value registry in 2025 and overhaul the way objective values are calculated to enhance tax revenue and improve transparency.
Greece’s New Tax Bill Foresees Tax Relief Beyond Big Business
Tax relief measures in Greece are proposed for freelancers, property owners and farmers, along with 'big business'
Unions Call Nationwide Industrial Strike for Wed.
Mass transits are usually affected, especially in the greater Athens-Piraeus area, although bus and metro services are curtailed but not fully halted