Proposed virtual EastMed route positions Egypt as regional natural gas hub

Egypt could solidify its status as a regional natural gas transit and export center through a proposed route using existing infrastructure, Egypt Oil and Gas reported on October 16, citing the Middle East Economic Survey. The proposal avoids a dedicated subsea pipeline by linking Cypriot offshore gas supplies directly to European markets. Egyptian, Cypriot, and Greek officials discussed the strategic arrangement during an energy meeting in Athens on October 7. [1][4]

Under the planned system, offshore natural gas fields will connect to the pipeline network and liquefied natural gas export terminals in Egypt, according to Egypt Oil and Gas. Cargoes could subsequently ship to Greece for further distribution into southeastern Europe. The arrangement identifies the Cronos field in Cyprus as a potential initial source for the supply chain. [1]

The energy collaboration builds on existing regional infrastructure agreements. Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece previously established framework commitments during a trilateral summit in Cairo in October 2019, where heads of state backed joint regional energy highways, including subsea electrical interconnectors. [6]