Government officials, senior executives from energy and industrial groups, representatives of investment funds, and international institutions presented a unified picture: Greece is transforming its infrastructure, production model, foreign policy, and investment profile.
From the energy transition and defense modernization to record debt issuances and the rapid growth of tourism and infrastructure, the country appears—repeatedly described by speakers—as “more mature, more stable, and more predictable than ever.” John Ardill, Vice President of Global Research at ExxonMobil, referred to the Eastern Mediterranean as a “proven natural gas-producing region,” confirming that exploratory drilling in Greece could begin as early as 2027.
Dr. Ardill emphasized the importance of natural gas for energy security and highlighted Greece’s exploration potential.
“Global energy demand continues to rise, while oil and natural gas remain essential to support modern standards of living. Natural gas offers significant emissions reductions compared to coal, while providing reliable baseload power that complements renewable energy sources,” he stressed.
He explained that as ExxonMobil seeks new supply sources, “the Eastern Mediterranean stands out as a proven, gas-rich region and is emerging as a regional energy hub, thanks to its proximity to European markets and its untapped exploration potential.”
“Following the success of our exploratory activities in Cyprus in 2019 and 2025, we are particularly pleased to have entered Offshore Block 2 in Greece. We look forward to proceeding with our evaluation, which could lead to potential exploratory drilling in 2027,” he noted.
Closing his remarks, Dr. Ardill underlined ExxonMobil’s strategic readiness to support the development of Greece’s energy resources, stating: “With a proven track record in exploration, a leading LNG portfolio, a strong commitment to safe and responsible operations, and the ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions for managed assets by 2050, ExxonMobil is well-positioned to help Greece realize the potential of its hydrocarbons.”
