EPP Sec. Gen:”Greece can become an excellent energy gateway”

The Secretary General of the European People's Party (EPP), Antonio Lopez, said in an interview with "NEA" newspaper that he agrees with the initiative of the Greek government to take unilateral measures to alleviate citizens' energy costs in the absence of a coordinated European framework. Mr. Lopez visited Athens and spoke at the New Democracy Congress. The Spanish MEP highlighted the role of Greece as an energy hub of Europe, while he is in favor of the reform of the European Treaties.

We started the discussion from the beginning of the works for the floating liquefied gas unit FSRU in Alexandroupolis, a project that took over a decade to start.

"The northern countries did not listen to Greece and Cyprus, and I was present when they argued that we need alternative inputs for gas supply. Alexandroupolis is not an unknown name to me. I remember Mr. Mitsotakis and Mr. Anastasiades supporting the issue at EPP conferences, but the northern countries did not respond. "Europe needs diversification in energy and Alexandroupolis is key in this effort," he said.

We move on to the discussion on Draghi's statements from the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, and in particular on the Italian Prime Minister's call for a change in the European Treaties.

"European Treaties are not forever. They have to adapt to the different realities and crises facing the EU. We do not yet have an integrated European Union. We have to adapt and reform the Treaties over time, as the needs of our societies change," said Mr Lopez, citing the process of electing a commission president as an example. "Citizens are calling for more transparency in EU procedures. Why not elect the next President of the Commission with the vote of all Europeans and not through...