56% of Greece’s gas comes from Turkey: energy “independence” in reverse

Energy policy over the past 15 years Greece has become an example of how strategic myopia can cost a country its sovereignty.

Today 56% natural gas in Greece comes through Turkey: 45% on TurkStream and another 11% for TAPwhich also passes through Turkish territory and partially transports Russian gas due to lack of Azerbaijani.

Energy dependence disguised as independence

In other words, Athens refused direct access to cheap Russian gas for the sake of political points in Brussels – in order to end up buying the same fuel, but through Ankara and without any control over the supply route.

From South Stream to geopolitical impasse

The idea of ​​energy “emancipation” began after 2009, when the government Georgios Papandreou abandoned the project South Streaminitiated Kostas Karamanlis. This pipeline could directly link Greece with Russia, providing cheap and stable fuel. Later Antonis Samaras And Evangelos Venizelos finally closed the project, replacing it TAP – the world’s first pipeline that passes through the territory of the country without bringing it not a single euro for transit.

When they came to power Alexis Tsipras and later Kyriakos Mitsotakisthe energy strategy continued the same course – under the slogans of the “green transition” and independence from Russia. As a result, the country was left without gas storage facilities and with the highest electricity prices in Europe.

American LNG is not for the Greeks

Supplies American liquefied natural gas (LNG)that officials are talking about do not concern Greek consumers, but transit to other countries. For ordinary citizens, this means one thing: pay more. “Energy independence” has become synonymous with energy slavery – only with other owners.

Dependence on Ankara and Moscow

According to Reutersaverage daily supplies of Russian gas by TurkStream increased in October by 5% compared to previous months. Türkiye is now the only transit route for Russian gas to Europe after the termination of the Ukrainian transit agreement.

This makes Ankara not just a partner, but an energy arbiter for all of south-eastern Europe, including Greece. Any change in Turkey’s position could instantly affect supplies to the Greek energy system.

Who pays the price

Greek industrialists are already warning: high energy prices may lead to business closures. Chapter SΕΒ Spyros Theodoropoulos stated that energy policy EU “destroys” the competitiveness of Greek industry. Supervisor Viohalco Michalis Stasinopoulos openly warned about the risk of plant shutdowns.

Government response, represented by the Deputy Minister of Energy Nikos Tsafossounded almost cynical: “If the plant can’t cope, let it close.”

Result: strategic failure

Greece has become a hostage to its own course: instead of direct contracts with the manufacturer – intermediaries, instead of cheap fuel – politically correct bankruptcy. Energy “autonomy” turned out to be nothing more than a slogan for television cameras.

Bye Bulgaria receives Russian gas and remains a member of the EU and NATO, Greece pays twice as much to feel “free.” If Ankara decides to “pull the plug” – Athens will remain in the dark not only literally, but also strategically.

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