Regional role for gas pipeline

The new geopolitical and strategic balance emerging in the region is reflected by the agreement which Turkey’s BOTAS and Greece’s Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) are preparing to sign for the construction of a natural gas pipeline to the Greek border town of Alexandroupolis, Development Minister Akis Tsochadzopoulos said in an interview with the Turkish daily Hürriyet three days before visiting the neighboring country. $300 million «In the 21st century, we are living through a new geopolitical and strategic balance, not just in the field of security but also in the energy sector,» he said. The two companies have been working on the plan, which is projected to cost $300 million, for three years. The pipeline will carry natural gas from Iran and the Caspian region to the rest of Europe through Greece. This will promote natural gas as the main source of energy for Europe, said Tsochadzopoulos in the interview. «There is no problem on the US side; Russia and the EU are cooperating with the USA and energy ties with Eurasia strengthens this cooperation. «There is no longer just a security balance, there is also an energy balance now,» he notes; «’energy diplomacy’ is replacing the traditional ‘defense diplomacy.’» Europe’s connection to the natural gas reserves of Iran and the Caspian region was discussed at the EU’s recent summit in Barcelona.