Greece-Ukraine Gas Corridor Faces Practical Challenges, Says Former Minister

A planned gas supply corridor from Greece to Ukraine is facing significant challenges and may not be functioning as intended, according to former Greek Minister of Energy Panagiotis Lafazanis. The Vertical Gas Corridor project involves delivering American liquefied natural gas (LNG) through a network of strategic pipelines, including those in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova.

Lafazanis stated that the agreement between Greece and the US to create this corridor is 'mainly on paper' and faces significant practical implementation difficulties. He attributed these challenges to the 'political and economic reactions of a growing number of countries, parties, and public associations dissatisfied with decisions prolonging and exacerbating the war in Ukraine.'

Lafazanis also expressed concerns that the use of LNG is pushing prices and costs even higher, further impoverishing society. In response, his party, DIKEA, plans to initiate a large-scale event aimed at lifting the ban on Russian gas imports to Greece and Europe, as well as restoring friendly relations between Greece and Russia.

The EU Council had previously approved a complete ban on Russian LNG supplies from January 1, 2027, and gas via pipelines from September 30, 2027. Short-term contracts for gas supply via pipelines were due to expire by June 17, 2026.