Four years have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing war has tested first and foremost the Ukrainian people and armed forces, but has also put all of Europe through serious trials. “Today, the European Union and Greece will declare their continued commitment to supporting Ukraine while simultaneously implementing targeted sanctions that will have a beneficial result. We must categorically state that attacks against civilians and energy infrastructure constitute clear violations of international law and are unacceptable,” Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis declared yesterday from Brussels upon his arrival at the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
Ultimately, the Hungarian veto prevented the adoption of new sanctions against Russia, with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas expressing regret and speaking of a setback. Kyriakos Mitsotakis has long defined the framework within which Greece operates regarding the war in Ukraine and efforts being made, primarily at the initiative of the United States, to end it. First, that the outcome of negotiations should be a just and lasting peace with dignity for Ukraine. Second, that the inviolability of borders must be respected, and third, that the need for strong Ukrainian armed forces cannot be subject to negotiation. Support for Ukraine throughout this four-year period has been consistent and, as Mitsotakis has stated, “it was a position dictated not only by adherence to the principles of international law, but also by, I would say, narrow national interests. It would be unfortunate if Greece did not support the defender against the aggressor who harbors territorial claims.”
Regarding financing options for Ukraine, the government had initially positioned itself favorably toward granting a Reconstruction Loan utilizing frozen Russian assets, with the greatest possible legal and fiscal security – an option that was ultimately not selected. “I believe the solution that was chosen, namely a loan from the European budget margin, which means it has practically no fiscal consequences for any European country, was the appropriate solution, taking into account the complexity and legal difficulties of utilizing the currently ‘frozen’ Russian resources at this time – a possibility that was not excluded in the conclusions we agreed upon, but which still needs more time for processing should we settle on this solution,” the Greek Prime Minister said after completing the latest Summit.
Vertical Corridor “key” for Greece to become critical energy “player” in Ukraine war’s shadow
Beyond that, what the government is pursuing is establishing Greece as a critical “player” in the new energy “field” being shaped after the Russian invasion and ongoing war. The Vertical Corridor plays a central role in this planning, with Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou already in Washington, where today a separate Ministerial Meeting of Vertical Corridor countries will take place. The meeting’s goal is to resolve problems and difficulties that have emerged and make the Vertical Corridor the main artery for American natural gas flow to southeastern Europe and Ukraine.
Greece is positioning itself as Europe’s southern gateway for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, primarily from the US, as the EU prepares for a complete ban on Russian natural gas supplies by 2027, the Financial Times reported. As the British newspaper noted, Athens is betting that Greece’s geographical position, combined with LNG capacity expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and close ties with Washington, can secure it a central role in the European natural gas market after the Russian ban takes effect.
Papastavrou: “We will no longer fund the aggressor”
“We will no longer fund the aggressor,” Papastavrou told the Financial Times, emphasizing that further work is required for gradual independence from Russian fossil fuels. “This disconnection will not happen by itself.” As he noted, what began as emergency LNG deliveries from the US after the Russian invasion of Ukraine has evolved into a long-term realignment of EU energy supplies. “American energy has become a structural pillar of Europe’s security architecture.”
