Today, June 8, 2026, the Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) was convened in Washington, D.C., United States of America, in an exceptional arrangement reflecting the continued commitment of the United States to fostering dialogue in support of East Mediterranean energy cooperation. The meeting was held under the Presidency of H.E. Stavros Papastavrou- Minister of Environment and Energy of the Hellenic Republic, as the President of the EMGF Ministerial Meeting.
The Meeting was attended by the Cypriot, Egyptian, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Jordanian and Palestinian Ministers of Energy and Heads of Delegations of the EMGF Members. The European Union, the United States of America and the World Bank attended as Observers.
The Meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical developments that are reshaping the global landscape and directly influencing energy security and energy markets worldwide. In this context, the Ministers emphasized that EMGF stands as a critical platform where dialogue and cooperation play a central role in safeguarding the energy security of the East Mediterranean and beyond and in promoting a frame work of common understanding and development based on international law.
The Ministers discussed ways in which Members can use the EMGF to strengthen the development of interconnected and resilient energy systems in the East Mediterranean, anchored by natural gas, while positioning the region as a strategic energy corridor linking the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
The Minsters noted that discussions on the revised Long-Term Strategy remain ongoing within the Executive Board and with the support of the Secretariat, with a view to reaching a common understanding among Member Countries regarding the future strategic direction of the Forum.
The Meeting also provided an opportunity to review ongoing strategic activities undertaken within the EMGF framework, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, promoting knowledge-sharing, supporting informed policymaking, and fostering dialogue among governments, industry stakeholders, financial institutions, and international partners.
These efforts are complemented by ongoing strategic initiatives, including the Gas Industry Advisory Committee (GIAC) Implementation Groups (IGs), leveraging the Forum’s convening power by bringing together representatives from Member Countries, regulators, and the private sector. Collectively, these activities deepen the Forum’s impact by strengthening data-driven decision-making, enhancing policy coherence among Member Countries, and fostering a shared understanding of regional energy dynamics.
During the meeting, His Excellency Eli Cohen Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the Israeli Government was appointed as the President of the Ministerial Meeting for the period from 1 August 2026 to 30 June 2027, and His Excellency Gilberto Pichetto Fratin Minister of Environment and Energy Security of the Italian government, as the Alternate President. Moreover, Mr. Yossi Dayan Executive Board Member representing the Israeli Government was appointed as Executive Board Chairman for the same year.
At the end of the Ministerial Meeting, the Ministers underscored their renewed determination to strengthen cooperation within the Forum, while fully respecting the rights of its Members over their natural resources in accordance with international law. They reaffirmed that sustained political will and a commitment to constructive dialogue are essential for the benefit of the region and its peoples. In this regard, the Meeting marked an important step in revitalizing collective engagement within the EMGF framework.
The Ministers and Heads of Delegations expressed their appreciation to the United States for hosting this Ministerial Meeting, and extended their gratitude to President Donald Trump and Secretary Chris Wright for their leadership and contributions, underscoring that this initiative demonstrates a shared determination to advance constructive cooperation in support of energy security and strengthened energy systems highlighting the interdependence of gas and electricity grids at a critical juncture.