On July 26, 2026, during the 30th anniversary summit of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE-WHIA) in Rhodes, experts and officials designated the Eastern Mediterranean as a strategic pillar for European energy security. Discussions highlighted the potential of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel to function as a regional energy hub, providing a stable alternative to current, volatile supply sources.

Participants at the summit, including Costis Stambolis of the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE), emphasized that developing natural gas reserves in this region is essential for diversifying EU supplies. By securing these energy corridors, the member states aim to reduce long-term dependency on external suppliers amid global geopolitical uncertainty and energy market instability.

The findings underscore a shift toward regional cooperation, with Cyprus and Greece playing a leading role in reinforcing the European market's stability. While no specific future legal actions were announced, the summit concluded that the stabilization and utilization of these Eastern Mediterranean resources remain a critical priority for the continent's strategic autonomy.