Egypt is renewing efforts to position itself as a natural gas supplier to Europe, with Greece highlighted as a key gateway for transporting Egyptian LNG to European markets. The approach was discussed during the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) in Washington, where Egyptian Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi outlined the need to strengthen energy links between the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
Greece proposed as transit hub for Egyptian LNG
Under the concept promoted by Egypt, Greece would function as a strategic transit hub for LNG shipments. The plan is designed to allow cargoes to reach Central and Southeastern Europe using the region’s developing Vertical Corridor infrastructure.
The renewed push follows a period in which Egypt’s gas sector faced multiple pressures. Declining production and rising domestic consumption coincided with economic constraints that led to IMF-backed support measures in 2022. During that period, Egypt shifted from an LNG exporter to a net importer of liquefied gas.
Recovery drivers include new discoveries and export policy changes
Recent developments have improved the outlook for Egypt’s domestic gas supply. New hydrocarbon discoveries are expected to gradually increase production, including projects led by Eni. Efforts to attract foreign investment are also part of the expected pathway toward higher output.
Cairo has introduced policies allowing international energy companies to export part of their output as LNG. The stated purpose is to help recover outstanding payments while sustaining investment activity. One example cited was Energean, which received $125 million during the first quarter of 2026 as part of debt repayments.
EMGF reconvenes with regional participation and no major agreements
The EMGF meeting also addressed wider regional energy dynamics. The forum reconvened after a three-year hiatus and included representatives from Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Italy, France, the European Union, the United States, the World Bank, and the State of Palestine.
It was the first time since 2023 that Israeli and Palestinian representatives participated in the same forum discussions. No major agreements were announced at the meeting, but it indicated renewed engagement on energy cooperation across participating countries.
Turkey remains outside the EMGF framework and continues to advocate for a greater role in approving regional energy projects. That position remains at odds with the forum’s existing cooperative structure.
