Cyprus, Greece, Romania Push for Mediterranean Gas Exploitation Amid EU Energy Transition Debate
Cyprus, Greece, and Romania are urging Europe to exploit vast Mediterranean gas reserves, citing the energy crisis and the need for a balanced energy mix. This push for increased gas production, including Romania's upcoming 7 billion cubic meters annually from 2027, contrasts with the EU's electrification plans and net-zero targets.
Cyprus, Greece, and Romania are advocating for increased European gas production, potentially clashing with the European Commission's electrification plans. Eastern Mediterranean countries argue that exploiting their substantial gas reserves is strategically vital due to the current energy crisis.
Cypriot Energy Minister Michael Damianos stated at an informal EU Council summit in Nicosia that fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, will be needed for decades, emphasizing Cyprus's reserves. Estimates suggest trillions of cubic meters of untapped natural gas lie beneath the Eastern Mediterranean seabed. Egypt's oil expert Osama Mobarez, chair of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), attended to support this view. Greece's Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou stressed the importance of a balanced energy mix for Europe's security.
Romania's Energy Secretary Cristian Bușoi also called for more natural gas in Europe, even beyond 2050, provided carbon storage technology is implemented. Romania is set to become a major gas producer from 2027, with its Neptune Deep offshore platform expected to pump 7 billion cubic meters annually from the Black Sea. However, some delegates, like Spain's Energy Minister Sara Aagesen and Ireland's Climate Minister Timmy Dooley, emphasized indigenous renewables and adherence to net-zero targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, which would see fossil fuels largely eliminated.