Greece's energy minister has signed a ministerial decision defining the precise coordinates for two offshore blocks south of Crete that will be opened for oil and gas exploration and exploitation, paving the way for international bidding and advancing the country’s energy ambitions.
Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou approved the decision regarding areas designated “South Crete 1” and “South Crete 2,” and confirmed that the concessions will be awarded through lease contracts. The next step, according to the ministry’s plan, is the issuance of a second ministerial decision to launch a formal international tender.
The process follows a formal expression of interest submitted by Chevron Balkans Exploration B.V., which was accepted by a separate decision on April 4, 2025.
The ministry said the government remains committed to its strategic energy goals of making Greece a secure, attractive, and geopolitically influential energy player in the region.
The move highlights Athens’ efforts to diversify its energy sources and attract foreign investment in the sector amid evolving global energy dynamics.