The Greek government consistently and firmly supports the plan for the completion of the ITGI. We believe that this project contributes decisively to meeting Europe’s need for diversification of energy sources and routes, while it is certainly one of the most advanced plans in terms of studies carried out and permits acquired. At the same time, it ensures greater investments in Greece.
We remain dedicated to the European policy on energy links between member states. The interlinking of European natural gas networks is a matter of vital importance for Europe’s energy security. Ensuring that the networks of all member states are linked is a prerequisite for this.
It is well known that the European Commission has set as a priority the improvement of energy networks and the covering of existing energy infrastructure needs. In this context, the undersea portion of the ITGI linking Greece and Italy – the “Poseidon” pipeline – is a priority and fully covers this need. Moreover, this pipeline’s potential for flow in the opposite direction as well ensures security of natural gas supplies to Southeast Europe, should circumstances call for such use.
Regarding the other plans in the region, we are monitoring and evaluating the relevant developments with interest, taking into account that conditions have not matured adequately for the signing of specific agreements, which is a necessary condition for carrying out these projects.
January 13, 2012