Baku, Azerbaijan, May 30
By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:
Today, some countries of Europe due to their geographical position got a good chance to become an important link in the chain of supplying energy security to the Old World. However, it seems that not all can handle this burden.
The case is Greece in particular. The country, the previous government of which chose the path of cooperation and partnership, is now reeling feverishly and rolling from side to side when it comes to the implementation of energy projects.
Typically, new governments try to keep directions left by previous government that have a strategic importance and benefit, but in Greece it is not the case.
Greece has turned into a scandalous newsmaker from a potential energy hub when it comes to gas projects. Athens at first declared the Southern Gas Corridor unprofitable and rushed to the Turkish Stream, but then talks about its commitment to the agreements.
The Minister of Energy of Greece Panagiotis Lafazanis spoke May 30 about the recent call by the US to Athens to give up the Turkish Stream in favor of Southern Gas Corridor, noting that Greece adhere to its position.
The Greek authorities claim that the Turkish Stream is of great importance for the country. At the same time, the parties have not even discussed the financing of the project, its route and a lot of related issues.
It is expected that in June, Russia and Greece will sign a memorandum of understanding on the Turkish Stream. In fact, this is the first document to be signed within the framework of this project. That is, Greece will become the first country in Europe, which, in spite of European public opinion, will take a step towards the Russian project with Russian gas.
It makes no sense to talk about its meaning for Europe, which tries to find alternative sources of gas supply. Only time will tell how long Greece will remain a "rara avis" among European countries.
Edited by CN
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Maksim Tsurkov is Trend Agency's staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
