Papastavrou: Hydrocarbons are a national matter and demand maximal consensus

Developing the hydrocarbons sector is a national matter that demands “the maximum consensus, without low-rent petty political posturing,” Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said in an interview with mononews.gr on Sunday.

He stressed that the energy agreements of the last two weeks increase Greece’s geostrategic power, creating the conditions for energy autonomy and significant prospects for economic growth that benefits all Greeks.

Papastavrou described these agreements as a “collective success” that began with laws passed in 2011, made further progress under the Samaras-Venizelos government and was planned for many years but was only now put into action “due to the determination and credibility of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.”

The minister rejected accusations of opacity surrounding the agreements, pointing out that the agreement with ExxonMobil was the same as that passed by the Parliament with Total in 2018 and that the deal with Chevron, once finalised, will be submitted to the Court of Audit in November and will then have to be ratified by Parliament in order for seismic and geophysical surveys to begin.

On the agreement with Ukraine, he clarified that this was not an agreement between states but between the two companies, Naftogaz and DEPA.

Responding to doubts expressed by SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Papastavrou noted that the Greek state, through various taxes and royalties, stands to receive 38-40% of the income generated by the deposits if they prove to be commercially viable.

“If the exploratory drilling in 18 months is successful…this means that in the years following the start of production, billions will flow into our country that will be public funds. They will allow us to support social policy, supply power at a better price, create more and better jobs, provide energy security,” he said.

He also clarified that the energy agreements do not mean that Greece is abandoning environmental targets that are European commitments. “The balance is in a realistic and sustainable transition, not a complete severance from energy sources that ensure security and stability,” he added, noting that natural gas will remain a bridging fuel.

Painting a bigger picture, Papastavrou said the energy deals were part of a broader national plan for long-term growth and stability in Southeastern Europe via energy. “Greece is emerging as a central energy artery and pillar of stability that combines the energy transition with the use of its natural resources, jointly shaping the new energy map of Europe,” he said.

amna.gr