The Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE) participated in the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) high-level meeting held in Athens on 6–7 October 2026. The event, organised in cooperation with HELLENiQ ENERGY, brought together senior government officials, energy industry executives, international organisations and investors to discuss the development of natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean and the region’s growing importance for European energy security.
Held under the theme of strengthening the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as an energy corridor for Europe, the meeting focused on regional cooperation, the development of discovered gas resources, and the infrastructure required to bring these resources to market. Discussions addressed the role of LNG facilities, pipelines, storage and electricity interconnections in improving regional connectivity and diversifying energy supplies. Particular attention was given to the need to translate existing resource potential and regional dialogue into commercially viable projects, attract investment and advance projects towards final investment decisions.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of closer cooperation among Eastern Mediterranean countries in addressing geopolitical challenges and strengthening the region’s contribution to European energy security. Trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt featured prominently, reflecting the complementary roles of gas resources, existing infrastructure and access to European markets. IENE’s participation reaffirmed the Institute’s continuing engagement (IENE study M72 – Energy Options in the East Mediterranean) with regional energy developments and its commitment to promoting informed dialogue, research and cooperation on energy security, natural gas and the evolving energy landscape of South-East Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
IENE was represented by its Chairman, Mr Costis Stambolis, and Research Coordinator and Research Fellow, Mr Kostis Oikonomopoulos.
