As part of this growing partnership, Greece’s Minister for Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, along with Deputy Minister Nikos Tsafos, paid a visit yesterday to Chevron’s headquarters in Houston, Texas. They were accompanied by Aristofanis Stefatos, CEO of the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company.

The visit had been announced by Papastavrou in a TV interview last week, during which he also noted that the formal acceptance of Chevron’s expression of interest was imminent.

Speaking from Chevron’s offices, Papastavrou stated:

“We’re pleased to be here at Chevron following the company’s interest in exploring hydrocarbon opportunities in Greece. My presence here, together with a senior delegation, reflects our commitment and determination to explore the country’s natural resources for the benefit of all Greek citizens. It also underlines our intention to fast-track the international tender process.”

It’s worth noting that on 7 April, Papastavrou signed a ministerial decision accepting Chevron’s proposal to explore and potentially exploit hydrocarbon reserves in the designated offshore zones south of Crete. Later, in an interview with state broadcaster ERT on 29 April, he described the hydrocarbon exploration efforts as “crucial for the country’s future and for the next generation,” adding that parliamentary ratification is expected sometime in 2025.

Chevron’s involvement, however, has drawn sharp criticism from Greenpeace and other environmental groups, who have repeatedly condemned the company’s environmental impact. Greenpeace has described Chevron as “the second most polluting oil company in the world,” highlighting the ecological damage it has caused in various wetlands where it operates.

Adding to the controversy, a US court recently fined Chevron $745 million for polluting a marshland near New Orleans and failing to clean up the affected area.

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