23348 - The opening of the hydrocarbon offers

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Athena Kehagias

With a spectacular delay, as we’ve been waiting for months, the opening of the hydrocarbons tenders will finally occur!
Of course what preceded was the persecution by all the political and dogmatic obstacles which existed.
Because, at first there was even an institutional opposition towards the hydrocarbons.
We saw it clearly during the large licensing round re: the 20 marine plots in the Ionian sea and South of Crete, hence we ended up having singular applications, for merely three marine plots.
As far as the small licensing round goes, which is concerning Ioannina, the Gulf of Patras and Katakolo, all foreign companies from France, Spain and Italy had departed, due to the political uncertainty in our homeland.
And all this took place at a period in which Greece tries to recuperate economically, seeking investments.
In any case, the opening of the tenders, it’s an important step nevertheless, since the case was stagnant for so long.
We must however be very cautious with our movements, and we must function professionally, in order to be effective, because the hydrocarbons sector is a very demanding one.
And every error carries a high cost.
Additionally, if some agreements are implemented, it is quite important to have at hand the appropriate contracts, which are rational but also aid our homeland at a practical level.
Therefore, partisanly approaches have no place here, because this is regarding a national issue, which directly concerns our high strategy, and not quasi politicians.