01 Apr 2026
A. Exarchou: U.S. LNG long-term contracts essential for Europe’s energy stability
- RE+D Magazine
The urgent need to advance long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreements with the United States as a key prerequisite for the success of the Vertical Energy Corridor and the strengthening of Europe’s energy security was highlighted by Alexandros Exarchou, President and CEO of AKTOR and CEO of Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, during his address at the “Romania Government Table” organized by Economist Impact in Bucharest.
Alexandros Exarchou, President and CEO of AKTOR and CEO of Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, emphasized that the European Union risks facing an extremely challenging energy reality if it does not swiftly move to secure long-term LNG supply agreements with U.S. providers. He warned of a significant surge in natural gas prices next winter.
His remarks were part of the ongoing discussion on strengthening the so-called Vertical Energy Corridor—a route designed to transport LNG via Greece to Southeast and Central Europe, aiming to reduce dependence on Russian gas. The panel also included Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Romanian Minister of Energy Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, and Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Energy Teodora Georgieva-Mileva.
Warning on Natural Gas Prices
Exarchou expressed serious concern regarding price trends at the Dutch TTF hub, projecting that prices could reach as high as €85 per MWh next winter, up from around €53 currently, while the U.S. benchmark Henry Hub remains below €8.5 per MWh. He noted that such a wide price divergence could have severe repercussions for the competitiveness of the European economy and industrial output. Historically, the gap between TTF and Henry Hub has served as a critical indicator for Europe’s energy market.
“Decisions Are Needed Now”
Exarchou criticized the EU’s approach, stating that it often confines itself to theoretical discussions without taking timely action in response to new geopolitical realities. He stressed that developments in Ukraine and the Middle East are reshaping the energy landscape and demand immediate intervention.
“If Europe truly intends to ban Russian natural gas, it must already have secured sufficient LNG volumes from the U.S. to pass the next winter at stable prices,” he remarked. The need for stronger transatlantic energy cooperation has also been highlighted by Exarchou in recent interventions at Davos and other international energy forums.
New Infrastructure and a Second FSRU
Regarding progress on the Vertical Corridor, Exarchou stressed the need for swift decisions at both the national and EU level, with a focus on establishing a second FSRU in Greece, which should be operational by 2030, as well as upgrading existing pipelines toward Ukraine. According to him, the project’s financial viability directly depends on finalizing long-term LNG contracts, which will enable the mobilization of necessary capital.