Greece is facing a climate crisis that demands urgent action, warns Kostas Kartalis, Professor at the University of Athens. ‘We’ve built our country for a climate that no longer exists,’ he told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency. With heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires intensifying, Kartalis calls for a major overhaul of productive sectors and infrastructure to withstand these changes, ahead of his participation in the 10th Delphi Economic Forum, set for April 9-12, 2025.
Tag: Eastern Mediterranean
During a U.S. visit on April 4, 2025, former Greek PM Alexis Tsipras criticized Turkey’s opposition to a Greece-Cyprus undersea power cable and its potential F-35 acquisition, warning of regional instability. Speaking at a Center for American Progress event, he urged stronger Greek-American ties and proposed resolving maritime disputes with Turkey at the ICJ.
The potential revival of the EastMed pipeline under Donald Trump’s leadership signals a renewed push for energy cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Designed to transport Eastern Mediterranean natural gas to Europe, the project strengthens regional stability, enhances Europe’s energy independence, and reinforces the geopolitical significance of the participating nations. With renewed U.S. support, EastMed could become a key pillar of Western energy security.
On March 30, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Jerusalem for a high-level meeting. The leaders discussed their nations’ shared historical roots, common values, and strategic interests, with a focus on defense systems like BARAK MX and SPIKE NLOS. The talks signal a deepening partnership amid regional challenges and opportunities.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a high-level quadrilateral summit in Paris, addressing regional security, migration, and energy cooperation alongside leaders from France, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is in Paris today for a high-stakes summit on Ukraine’s peace and security, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. On Friday, he will make history in the first-ever Greece-France-Cyprus-Lebanon leaders’ meeting, reinforcing Greece’s role as a regional stabilizer. With a subsequent trip to Israel planned, Mitsotakis is positioning Greece at the heart of international diplomacy.
Chevron, a global energy giant, has expressed interest in exploring two offshore blocks south of Crete, doubling Greece’s active hydrocarbon exploration area to 47,000 square kilometers. Minister Stavros Papastavrou called it a “vote of confidence” in Greece’s stable, investment-friendly environment under PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, signaling a bright future for the nation’s energy sector.
The Greek government is set to resume surveys in April for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a subsea electricity cable linking Greece and Cyprus, despite technical delays and Turkish opposition. The project aims to enhance energy security and integrate renewable energy in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Greece asserting its rights in international waters.
Speaking in Crete on Thursday, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias unveiled the ‘Achilles’ Shield’—a five-layered defence system set to redefine Greece’s military strategy. With Crete as a geopolitical linchpin, he highlighted its role in NATO and energy security, while touting the homegrown ‘Centaur’ anti-drone tech. The full plan hits Parliament next week, courtesy of PM Mitsotakis.
Greece has reaffirmed its commitment to completing a high-capacity electricity cable linking the power grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, despite ongoing setbacks.
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Greece plans to invest over €25 billion by 2036 to modernize its military with new submarines, F-35 jets, drones, and the “Achilles Shield” defense system, as part of a 12-year strategy to counter tensions with Turkey. The plan, set for parliamentary review soon, also includes upgrades to F-16 jets and MEKO frigates, amid concerns over escalating regional rivalries.
Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli foreign ministers will meet in Athens on Thursday to strengthen trilateral cooperation and discuss regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Hosted by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, the meeting will include bilateral talks with his Cypriot and Israeli counterparts, highlighting the nations’ strategic collaboration.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently shared a Breitbart News article on Truth Social, spotlighting the strategic importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the key roles of Greece and Cyprus. Following discussions between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the article highlights how the “3+1” partnership—with Cyprus, Israel, Greece, and the U.S.—could link the region to the EU, with optimism expressed for Trump’s re-election to boost economic and peace efforts.
Greek and Cypriot officials are optimistic about renewed U.S. engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean, seeing opportunities for regional peace and economic growth. Speaking at the Delphi Forum in Washington, D.C., leaders highlighted the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords and the strategic role of Greece and Cyprus in the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. With strong diplomatic ties to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, they envision a stable and prosperous region closely linked to Europe and the U.S.
Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu has cast doubt on the upcoming UN-led meeting in Geneva, arguing it will lead nowhere in resolving the Cyprus dispute. While Greek Cypriots seek a federal solution, Turkish Cypriots insist on a two-state model—a stance rejected by the Republic of Cyprus. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the talks are expected to underscore the island’s deep divisions rather than produce a breakthrough.
President Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s strategic priority of EU membership and underscored the country’s essential role in Europe’s global presence. Highlighting the need for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and advocating for greater Muslim representation in international decision-making, Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s ambitions for a significant role in global affairs.
Speaking at an iftar dinner with foreign ambassadors in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. He expressed support for preserving the positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations through mutual steps.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with key U.S. lawmakers in Washington, securing bipartisan support for strengthening Greece-U.S. relations. Discussions focused on Greece’s role as a strategic energy hub, an investment destination, and a reliable partner in regional stability. Gerapetritis also briefed officials on his recent Middle East tour, highlighting Greece’s diplomatic efforts. His meetings continue with further engagements in the U.S. Senate.
Turkish media is in a state of outrage following Kazakhstan’s decision to open an embassy in Nicosia, which they have labeled a “betrayal.” This move comes despite Turkey’s belief in an unshakeable relationship with Kazakhstan within the Turkic States Organization, leading to a significant diplomatic shift and raising questions about the future of their bilateral relations.
Cyprus is using the leverage of potential sanctions relief to steer Syria’s interim government away from a controversial maritime deal with Turkey. Foreign Minister Kombos’ visit to Damascus signals a cautious first step in rebuilding relations, with adherence to international maritime law a key condition for progress.