Greece’s Vertical Corridor Heads to Washington After Athens Energy Summit

Τhe Athens Energy Summit took place Thursday in central Athens with ambitious declarations about Greece’s place in Europe’s evolving energy landscape, even as officials acknowledged that turning political strategy into market reality remains a work in progress. Held at the historic Zappeion complex, the conference brought together Greek ministers, U.S. government representatives, EU officials, and energy analysts at a time when regional gas flows, long-term security concerns, and high energy costs are reshaping policy priorities.

The summit’s main headline came early: confirmation that energy ministers from five countries involved in the Vertical Corridor will meet in Washington on Feb. 24 in an effort to push stalled negotiations forward. Greek officials also used the forum to defend the corridor’s strategic value, outline next steps on offshore hydrocarbon exploration with Chevron, and argue that Greece is steadily strengthening its role as a regional energy gateway, even as market interest and regulatory clarity lag behind political ambition.

Washington meeting set for late February

The planned ministerial meeting in Washington will bring together the energy ministers of the five countries participating in the Vertical Corridor initiative.