EU to back Greek exclusive economic zone, says Greek MEP
While the declaration of an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by Greece would lead to friction with Turkey, the European Union is expected to throw its support behind the member-state, said Niki Tzavella, a member of the European Parliament and Rapporteur of the European Parliament’s Energy Roadmap to 2050.
Speaking on the issue of the European energy roadmap for southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday, the second day of the Athens Energy Forum co-hosted by Kathimerini and the International Herald Tribune, Tzavella noted that the European Parliament was expected to reach a decision backing member-states wishing to declare exclusive economics zones. While Greek hydrocarbon reserves were ‘national,’ the country’s borders were European, she added.
Also speaking at the conference, SYRIZA representive Thanassis Petrakos noted that the main opposition party would consider supporting the three-party coalition government with regard to energy issues, provided that the country’s energy companies remained under state control.
