The Eastern Mediterranean holds significant potential to strengthen regional energy connectivity and long-term energy security. Realising this potential requires a shared vision, strong partnerships, and coordinated action.
To advance these objectives, the EMGF, in cooperation with HELLENiQ ENERGY, hosted a high-level strategic conference in Athens on 7 October 2026. The event brought together representatives of member countries, energy industry leaders, regulators, and international partners to discuss opportunities to accelerate regional energy cooperation and shape a secure energy future. On the sidelines of the main agenda, the EMGF also convened the GIAC Executive Committee and 10th Assembly meetings, bringing representatives from more than 14 GIAC member companies together in person to advance strategic priorities and outline the committee's future agenda.
Turning Shared Priorities into Practical Solutions
The conference provided a platform for industry leaders to explore how to transform regional resources, infrastructure plans, and national strategies into a functioning, interconnected, and investable energy market. The comprehensive agenda featured high-level opening remarks, a Ministerial–Industry Strategic Roundtable, and four core panel sessions that mapped out the path toward an integrated regional corridor. These discussions tackled key priorities including regional connectivity and security of supply, infrastructure development and investment readiness, regulatory and commercial hurdles, and human capital—highlighting the vital contributions of women to the region’s energy future.
Ministerial–Industry Strategic Roundtable: Aligning Priorities for Action
The Ministerial–Industry Strategic Roundtable brought together diverse perspectives from governments, regulators, and industry leaders to align regional priorities and identify practical ways to advance cooperation.
The session convened key regional decision-makers, including H.E. Michael Damianos, Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry; H.E. Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; H.E. Stavros Papastavrou, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy; and H.E. Osama Mobarez, EMGF Secretary General, alongside regional and global industry leaders.
Discussions focused on aligning regional priorities, advancing cross-border infrastructure, strengthening regulatory frameworks, mobilising investment, and developing commercially viable projects. The roundtable highlighted the importance of closer public–private sector collaboration in building a more connected and resilient Eastern Mediterranean gas market.
Key Outcomes: Advancing Regional Energy Cooperation
A key outcome of the Athens conference was the renewed focus on trilateral energy cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, particularly on leveraging Egypt’s existing natural gas infrastructure to support the development and export of Cypriot gas to European markets.
The conference serves as a clear testament to the power of coordinated action in turning regional potential into long-term energy security and reaffirmed the EMGF’s convening power in bringing governments and industry together to advance shared regional priorities. By providing a platform for dialogue, coordination, and practical cooperation, the Forum continues to support commercially viable projects, strengthen regional energy connectivity, and advance a more integrated and resilient Eastern Mediterranean gas market.