Athens Becomes the Epicenter of International Energy Developments
Athens, May 24 – From May 25 to 27, 2026, the Greek capital will host the 11th Energy Transition Symposium, organized by the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics (HAEE). Under the theme “Strategic Energy Shifts: Policies and Politics in Transition,” the symposium will convene leading representatives from governments, international organizations, energy companies, academic institutions, and financial entities from Greece, Europe, and the wider East Mediterranean region.
The tone for the symposium’s proceedings will be set by Professor Spyros Papaefthymiou, President of HAEE, and Professor Costas Andriosopoulos, Director of the HELLENiQ ENERGY Center for Sustainability and Energy at Alba Graduate Business School.
In a period where energy security, geopolitical stability, and the green transition are redefining the strategic priorities of states and businesses, this year’s symposium aims to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the critical challenges and new opportunities shaping the energy future of Southeast Europe.
Key Discussion Points: Geopolitics, Supply Security, and Renewables
Discussions will focus on the new geopolitical architecture of energy, the strategic importance of regional interconnections and the Vertical Corridor, Europe’s supply security, developments in natural gas and LNG markets, and the role of the East Mediterranean in shaping the new energy map. Additionally, the symposium will address the challenges associated with the rapid growth of Renewable Energy Sources (RES), the need to strengthen grids and storage systems, curtailment management, and the new demands created by artificial intelligence, data centers, and the increasing electrification of the economy.
Participants in the discussion on Europe’s new energy security architecture and Southeast Europe’s role as a strategic energy corridor include Stavros Papastavrou, Minister of Environment and Energy; Joshua Volz, Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration at the U.S. Department of Energy; and Osama Mobarez, Secretary General of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF).
International speakers at the symposium also include Aaron Praktiknjo, President of IAEE; Laurent Ruseckas, Executive Director of S&P Global; Olga Khakova from the Atlantic Council; former White House and U.S. State Department official Matthew Bryza; and Professor Samuel Furfari from ESCP Business School.
Empowering Women in Energy Diplomacy and Youth Engagement
A special session will feature the EmpowerMed Women of EMGF, with the participation of Alexandra Sdoukou, Press Representative of New Democracy; Maria Rita Galli, CEO of AKTOR LNG; and Enas Shabana, Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Officer of EMGF. They will discuss the role of women in regional energy diplomacy and in creating more inclusive leadership structures.
The rapid development of RES, the challenges of production curtailment, and the crucial role of storage will be central to a discussion involving Professor Pantelis Kapros of NTUA and executives from the IEA and the Greek energy market.
Greece’s Strategic Role as an Energy Hub
Discussions on interconnections, networks, and Greece’s strategic role as an energy hub will also take a prominent place. Ioannis Margaris, Vice Chairman of ADMIE’s Board of Directors; Maria Sferruzza, CEO of DESFA; and senior executives from European grid operators will discuss the investments required to enhance resilience and regional energy cooperation.
In collaboration with HAEE, the Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum (YCDF) will host a Live & Interactive Debate titled “The Pragmatism Paradox: Can Southeast Europe afford to go Green before it goes Secure?” This debate will highlight the role and participation of young people in the dialogue on the future of energy and climate policy. The discussion will address the dilemma of security, cost, and sustainability through live debate and real-time public participation via interactive voting.
Over three days of discussions, thematic sessions, international interventions, and networking, the 11th HAEE Energy Transition Symposium reaffirms its role as one of the most important forums for energy dialogue in the region, highlighting Greece’s position as a hub for cooperation, innovation, and strategic planning for the energy transition.
Source: https://energypress.gr/index.php/news/11o-symposio-energeiakis-metabasis-i-athina-sto-epikentro-ton-diethnon-exelixeon-gia-tin
