What's happened
European energy security faces new challenges as reliance on Russian pipeline gas ends. The U.S. promotes liquefied natural gas exports through Greece, with plans for a gas corridor linking Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. U.S. officials and Greek leaders emphasize energy abundance and geopolitical importance, amid global calls to reduce fossil fuel exploration.
What's behind the headline?
The recent U.S.-Greece energy talks underscore a strategic shift in European energy policy, moving away from Russian pipelines toward diversified sources like U.S. LNG. The emphasis on the Vertical Corridor reflects geopolitical ambitions to secure energy independence and reduce reliance on Russia. However, this push faces resistance from global climate advocates, exemplified by UN Secretary-General Guterres' call to halt fossil fuel exploration. The U.S. aims to leverage its position as a top LNG exporter, linking energy exports to broader trade and geopolitical goals. This strategy will likely accelerate Europe's transition to alternative energy sources but may also deepen geopolitical tensions with Russia and complicate global climate efforts.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports Europe's reliance on Russian pipeline gas has ended, comparing the situation to Japan's, which also faces pipeline closures. Politico highlights U.S. Secretary Burgum's comments on Greece's role in energy abundance and the significance of the Vertical Corridor, with President Trump seeking to boost LNG exports to Europe. The Independent details the U.S. officials' visit, emphasizing Greece's strategic geographic position and the broader push to expand Western gas exports, especially to Ukraine. AP News echoes these points, noting Greece's importance as an entry point for U.S. LNG and the geopolitical importance of the gas corridor. All sources depict a concerted effort by the U.S. and Greece to reshape Europe's energy landscape amid geopolitical tensions and climate concerns.
How we got here
Europe depended heavily on imported Russian pipeline gas before the invasion of Ukraine, which led to energy security concerns and a push to diversify sources. The U.S. has sought to expand LNG exports to Europe, especially as the continent aims to cut Russian supplies. Greece's strategic location makes it a key entry point for U.S. gas exports, with plans for a north-south gas corridor linking Greece with neighboring countries. The U.S. officials' visit in Athens highlights efforts to strengthen energy ties and develop infrastructure for increased LNG shipments.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Kyriakos Mitsotakis is a Greek politician that is serving as Prime Minister of Greece since 8 July 2019. A member of New Democracy, he has been its president since 2016.
-
Christopher Allen Wright (born January 15, 1965) is an American businessman and government official serving as the 17th United States secretary of energy since February 2025. Before leading the U.S. Department of Energy, Wright served as the CEO of Libert
-
Douglas James Burgum is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician serving as the 33rd governor of North Dakota since December 15, 2016. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Burgum joined Great Plains Software in 1983 and became its presi
-
Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle is an American attorney and television news personality who co-hosted The Five on Fox News.
Guilfoyle was a prosecuting attorney in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.