An ambitious geopolitical vision is officially a reality. After seven years of planning, the United States, Cyprus, Greece, and Israel have officially launched the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC) in Houston. Aimed at combining academic research with regional diplomacy, the new institution is designed to scale up technological innovation and commerce to counter intense regional conflicts.

Cyprus Minister of Energy Michalis Damianos, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Greek Minister of Energy Stavros Papastavrou and Israeli General of the Ministry of Energy Yossi Dayan underlined on Thursday the strategic importance of the launch of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center, describing it as a "historic step" for energy security, regional cooperation and the strengthening of ties between the United States, Cyprus, Greece and Israel.

In statements in Houston where the four met, Damianos said that “the East Med Energy Centre was just a concept back in 2019,” when the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act was adopted by the US Congress, adding that it was “an ambitious idea” which developed over the years. “This day I feel privileged to be present for its historic launch,” he said.

The Cypriot Minister thanked “all those who believed in the idea and work for this,” describing the Center as “unusual and one of its kind,” since it brings together “four allies to work together and seek to strengthen energy and security within our region.”

He said the Center was envisioned as “a platform to advance regional energy security, encourage technological cooperation and support the development of Eastern Mediterranean energy resources for the benefit of the region and its partners.” Damianos also stressed that it would serve as “a platform that simultaneously combines research institutions and instruments of regional diplomacy amongst our countries.”

“Today is a historic day,” the Cypriot Minister said, noting that the initiative creates “the opportunity to bring together our universities, research institutions and private sector partners” in order to promote “collaboration in energy innovation, offshore energy development, technology transfer and the analysis of emerging geopolitical energy challenges.”

Referring to the wider international environment, Damianos said that “during the challenging geopolitical times that we are living in, this Centre is an optimistic message for the future cooperation.” He added that the Center is “opening new horizons and cooperation” and expressed confidence that “it will promote the energy security and stability in the ISMET for us and for the generations to come.”

On his part, Wright described the launch as “a big day,” saying that the Center brings together energy and the Eastern Mediterranean, “the birthplace of Western civilization,” which he described as “an emerging energy powerhouse.”

“That is President Trump’s view of the world,” Wright said, adding that “we need to use commerce to suppress and surpass conflict.” He noted that, while geopolitical tensions are often seen as “a zero sum” situation, commerce is “entirely different” because it is based on “voluntary exchange”.

Wright said that when countries “develop energy” and build “energy distribution infrastructure,” they “bring countries” and “people together.” He described the three founding nations as partners who “want to develop energy to bring better opportunities to their people,” while also seeking to “bring those three nations together and all of their neighbours as well.”

“These are generational investments,” the US Secretary said.

Wright thanked “Minister Damianos and the whole delegation traveling from Cyprus,” saying they came to Washington for meetings and then travelled to Houston. “They are partners in launching this thing,” he said.

Referring to the broader purpose of the initiative, Wright said that Cyprus, Greece and Israel are “transforming their country,” “the way they look at energy” and “the energy future of their nations.” He added that they are doing so “in a way to stitch their countries” and eventually “to stitch a region together in commerce, not conflict.”

The US Secretary also said that President Trump is “all in on energy abundance,” adding that he “wants more energy because that makes people’s lives better,” creates "more opportunities for people today and their kids and their grandchildren,” and serves as “a force to reduce conflict in the world today.”

Greek Minister of Energy called it “a landmark moment,” saying that “the United States, Cyprus, Israel and Greece” are “joining forces” to deepen strategic cooperation and strengthen regional connectivity.

In his statements, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Yossi Dayan said Israel “strongly supports this initiative” and sees EMEC as “a strategic platform” for energy security, technological innovation and regional resilience.

US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle also described the launch of the center as “truly historic", adding that Congress passed the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act in 2019 “to comprehensively recalibrate American policy towards the region” and deepen ties between “the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus.”

She said the launch “demonstrates the enduring commitment of the United States of America to this region,” represents “tangible progress in the 3-plus-1 process,” and shows a “clear, joint determination” to turn the shared vision of regional energy cooperation “into a reality".

The event highlighted the Center’s intended role as a platform linking governments, universities, research institutions, private sector partners and investors, with the aim of advancing energy innovation, regional connectivity and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)