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Thanks to investments in the port of Alexandroupolis and the start of the commercial operation of the IGB pipeline, Greece is emerging as a key player in the region. The operation of a second natural gas pipeline from Greece to North Macedonia now presents an opportunity for the region to connect even further and for Greece to cement its role as an energy hub. At the same time, European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen is in the midst of a goodwill trip through the Western Balkans to drum up support for the EU, making it clear it is of the “utmost importance” for the EU to invest further in the Western Balkans. Alexandra Voudouri joins Thanos Davelis to discuss how energy is changing the geopolitical landscape in the Balkans, break down the opportunities this presents for Greece, and look at the role the EU is playing. 

Alexandra Voudouri is a foreign and political affairs analyst for Macropolis.gr as well as the municipal radio station Athina 9.84 FM, and is a research associate for ELIAMEP’s South East Europe program. Her focus is mainly on developments in Southeastern Europe and in the Balkans.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

EU revisits Balkans to win friends, seek more influence

Energy fever in the Balkans

‘Moment of truth’ has come for Western Balkans, says EU commissioner

EU executive recommends Bosnia become candidate member

Greece urges cuts in peak-hour use of energy-intensive appliances

Lebanon and Israel sign sea border deal

Israel, Lebanon finalise maritime demarcation deal without mutual recognition