A 59-year-old ethnic Greek from Georgia has been arrested in Alexandroupoli after authorities discovered photos and videos of military installations and equipment on his mobile phone the suspect had been transmitting the sensitive material to an unidentified recipient abroad using an encrypted messaging app The suspect appears to have been photographing filming and distributing material of military significance for a period of at least six months The arrest was made during a joint operation by the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Alexandroupoli Sub-Directorate for Crime Investigation and Prosecution the suspect reportedly admitted to photographing and filming military sites on behalf of another individual authorities believe the mission may have included plans for potential sabotage of military facilities The individual who recruited the suspect is said to be a member of an international criminal network and allegedly affiliated with Russia’s military intelligence agency The 59-year-old suspect confessed that he was initially approached with an offer of financial compensation but ultimately acted voluntarily “for Mother Russia.” He reportedly told investigators that he had served in the Russian military in his youth The National Intelligence Service is continuing to investigate the case to determine the full scope of the operation Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox A 59-year-old house painter of Georgian origin, arrested for espionage in Alexandroupoli, has been remanded in custody following his testimony the suspect claimed that he had no intention of harming Greece’s interests and argued that the photographs he took depicting the transport of military equipment had already been repeatedly published in the media the man completed his military service before relocating permanently to Greece He worked as a house painter and had no prior criminal record Reports indicate that authorities found evidence on his mobile phone suggesting he had been monitoring military installations in Alexandroupoli for at least six months which he then allegedly forwarded to his handler His handler had been under surveillance by Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) since August of last year He is said to have ties to organized crime and a criminal record spanning both Greece and abroad He was reportedly arrested in Lithuania in March The port city of Alexandroupolis in Greece is becoming an energy gateway for Central and Southeast Europe as the LNG terminal came online , 0 Joint venture Gastrade said its new Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal is one of the most important energy projects at the European The landmark investment was envisioned 15 years ago by Dimitris Copelouzos of the Copelouzos Group The project contributes to energy security and the diversification of sources and energy supply routes for Southeast and Central Europe decisively upgrading the role and importance of Greece in the contemporary energy map of Europe making it an energy gateway for more than nine countries PPC and DEPA will continue building an 840 MW gas power plant in Alexandroupolis after Copelouzos sells its 20% stake The facility for liquefied natural gas (LNG) started its commercial operations today offshore Alexandroupolis after two and a half years of construction. The project began to materialize when the final investment decision – FID – was taken on January 27 The vessel sailed from the Seatrium shipyard on November 26 It arrived in the waters of the Thracian Sea on December 17 The Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal also consists of a subsea and onshore natural gas pipeline Through the National Natural Gas Transmission System it will deliver natural gas to Greece as well as Hungary and Slovakia in the west The facility can regasify LNG to as much as 5.5 billion cubic meters per year Projects are underway for gas pipelines linking North Macedonia with Greece and Serbia. “Our vision is to provide to the market a project that will operate in a way that is friendly to the society of Alexandroupolis offering a stable and reliable supply option for accessing our entire region We want to become a ‘benchmark of excellence’ infrastructure,” Managing Director of Gastrade Kostis Sifnaios wrote Fourteen Greek and international companies are participating commercially They committed almost all the capacity until at least 2030 “The Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal is much more than a business project It is a tangible proof of the possibilities we have in Greece to create European infrastructures that address the problems of our times offering opportunities and prospects for a better and sustainable energy future,” founding shareholder Elmina Copelouzou stated She and LNG carrier fleet owner and operator GasLog, DEPA Commercial, Bulgartransgaz and Greece’s National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) all control 20% each “GasLog is proud to have played a key role in the development of the project since the very beginning the conversion of an LNG carrier to an FSRU the delivery of the unit to Alexandroupolis and the successful commencement of operations of the Alexandroupolis terminal contributing as shareholder and FSRU operator while delivering on our commitment for providing reliable and innovative LNG solutions on a global scale,” said Chief Executive Officer of GasLog Paolo Enoizi The decision taken in 2020 by Bulgaria and Bulgartransgaz to become shareholders with a 20% stake in Gastrade proved to be strategic according to Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz Kiril Ravnachki The facility ensures access to gas supplies from the United States “The growing role of LNG for the region and the availability of this new LNG storage and regasification capacity is of utmost importance for SEE countries aiming to diversify supplies and switch away from Russian gas It will also improve liquidity and market integration in our region,” Ravnachki commented The start of commercial operations of the project marks the enhancement of the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative, Gastrade noted. It envisages connecting Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary Pipelines would transport the fuel from two more directions other than Russia alongside the Revithoussa LNG Terminal and coupled with DESFA’s investments to enhance the export capacity of the Greek gas grid strengthens further the region’s energy infrastructure and interconnectivity according to DESFA’s CEO Maria Rita Galli She also highlighted the role of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) and the Vertical Gas Corridor Today’s launch enables the planned expansion of IGB to five billion cubic meters per year Be the first one to comment on this article 05 May 2025 - The delegations from the two countries met on the sidelines of the 10th summit meeting of the Three Seas Initiative 05 May 2025 - The Trebinje 3 photovoltaic plant would have an installed capacity of 53.63 MW and an estimated annual production of 85.5 GWh 05 May 2025 - VDE Renewables found that SolarEdge’s advanced safety capabilities minimize photovoltaic system risks and effectively prevent fire hazards 02 May 2025 - The project is located in Constanța county recognized for its superior yields in green energy production © CENTER FOR PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2008-2020 website developed by ogitive (Reuters) — The Alexandroupolis liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Greece will begin a gradual restart soon and reach full capacity by September the vice president and managing director of the operator Gastrade said on Monday Gastrade halted operations at Alexandroupolis in late January citing technical issues at the 4.3 million metric tons per annum terminal "By mid-September we should be 100% back on our capacity probably starting at some point in May," Konstantinos Sifnaios told Reuters on the sidelines of the Budapest LNG Conference Two trading sources said that the technical issues were related to problems with booster pumps used to ramp up the pressure of LNG when it comes from the tanks to enter regas trains Greece has boosted LNG imports to replace some of its Russian pipeline gas which accounted for about 40% of its gas needs One of our administrators will review your comment before posting it onto the website A 59-year-old Georgian-born house painter has been arrested in Alexandroupoli on charges of spying on behalf of Russian intelligence was recruited in early fall 2024 by a compatriot with alleged ties to the Russian GRU Evidence retrieved from the man’s mobile phone suggests he had been surveilling military installations for at least six months photographing equipment shipments – especially those bound for Ukraine – and sending images and descriptions to his handler “He claimed he was willing to help the ‘motherland’ for any amount,” a Greek official said had previously conducted surveillance for Russian services before relocating to Lithuania Greek authorities emphasize the role of pro-Russian sentiment in the suspect’s motives This case follows previous incidents of Russian espionage uncovered by Greek and Baltic security agencies On the day when it was supposed to get the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal in Greece back online Gastrade extended the outage by another month 0 Just as gas storage in the European Union slipped below 40% of capacity the operator of the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal substantially pushed back the target date of restarting operations the facility has major potential for boosting the market in other Southeastern European countries and providing ample supply On January 23 it reported a technical issue Then it announced that a limited regasification service would be available but there were virtually no gas flows for a few days the company declared that the liquefied natural gas facility went offline Gastrade was supposed to bring Europe’s newest LNG terminal back to service on February 28 it prolonged the outage for a whole month that day fueling concerns about the severity of the malfunction and speculation about the cause Operators association Gas Infrastructure Europe and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) noted the update Put into commercial operation at the beginning of October, the facility could regasify LNG to as much as 5.5 billion cubic meters per year The capacity of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Gastrade’s update fueled concerns about the severity of the malfunction and speculation about the cause the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal has only a handful of contracts It means the controversial breakdown doesn’t directly jeopardize gas supply in the Balkans much Bulgaria’s Bulgargaz secured a replacement from Turkey LNG carrier fleet owner and operator GasLog Bulgartransgaz and Greece’s National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) all control 20% each in the joint venture in Alexandroupolis Discussions are underway in the European Union to cut back the obligatory 90% gas storage level The measure obviously wouldn’t help next winter’s security of supply but there would be less demand and upward pressure on prices Just before the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal crashed, an outage at Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz gas field disrupted the deliveries to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor Ukraine declined to renew a contract with Russia halting the flow of gas to Central Europe at the beginning of the year The TurkStream and Balkan Stream pipelines remained the only direct and operating route for Russian gas there are plans for gas pipelines connecting North Macedonia with Greece and Serbia Serbia and Romania intend to build a gas link of 1.6 billion cubic meters in annual capacity. Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja said last year that Romania has become the biggest natural gas producer in the European Union its Neptun Deep offshore field is due to come online in 2027 02 May 2025 - The Sunčana (Sunny) Vipava project envisages installing solar power plants with a combined capacity of 20 MW 30 April 2025 - OMV put into operation its 10 MW green hydrogen plant at the Schwechat refinery 30 April 2025 - It is the second time this year that MVM contracted gas-fueled and hydrogen-ready power plants at sites of former fossil fuel facilities The debate over the supposed possible withdrawal of US military forces from Alexandroupoli in northeastern Greece has highlighted the critical role of the port in supporting NATO’s eastern flank even attempted to take the debate to the White House where US President Donald Trump dismissed speculation of any such plans offering an alternative route to Eastern Europe bypassing the Turkish-controlled Bosporus Strait which can be closed during times of conflict Kathimerini can report that the Americans plan to invest in order to strengthen their footprint in the region The discussion had already started in the fall Alexandroupoli has become an essential hub for both commercial and military operations The 2019 modification of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) opened the port to US military use granting priority access without exclusivity This strategic location has facilitated the transport of military vehicles helicopters and personnel to NATO’s Eastern European allies the port has become a key logistical link in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war with the inclusion of the Yanoulis military camp in the Evros region to accommodate US forces in case of a larger mobilization The port has proven essential for the transportation of military equipment with US ships transporting large numbers of vehicles and personnel from 2020 to 2024 a fake news report claiming the US was going to ditch Alexandroupoli put the northern Greek port city in the spotlight where President Trump quickly shut down the story Kathimerini recently took a deep dive into the numbers looking at how Alexandroupoli has become an essential hub for both commercial and military operations Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor joins Thanos Davelis to explore the important role Alexandroupoli is playing in the region US President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed reports that the US military would stop using facilities in the northern Greek port city of Alexandroupoli due to the imminent end of the war in Ukraine During a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron Trump was asked by a reporter if the US planned to close a military base in Alexandroupoli Trump turned to US officials in the room for clarification After confirming that the report was inaccurate A US Department of Defense official also told Breitbart that the United States does not have a military base in Alexandroupoli to “close,” but rather uses Greek facilities and the port as a ground transportation hub to move personnel in and out of Europe the Alexandroupoli facility has become increasingly strategic to the US and NATO serving as a critical supply route for military units stationed in Eastern Europe The port functions are part of a five-year framework (Greek-American Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement) for the presence of US forces in Greece The US on Monday dismissed a Greek media report claiming that President Donald Trump ordered the closure of an American military base in Alexandroupolis (Dedeagac) It is a Greek facility that the US has access to under the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement," a US defense official told Anadolu "It simply serves as a surface transportation hub when US equipment flows into and out of Europe." "US transport personnel can surge to the location to manage episodic arrivals and departures of equipment but this is not a US ‘base’ for the US to close," the official added Asked about the Greek daily Dimokratia's claim of the closure during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House After being briefed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth The Greek daily suggested that the base may no longer be deemed necessary if the war in Ukraine comes to an end Alexandroupolis is a Greek port situated on the Aegean Sea Passenger trains will not operate on the Alexandroupoli-Ormenio and Alexandroupoli-Orestiada lines from Sunday to Wednesday due to freight transportation استشهد 11 فلسطينيا، وأصيب عدد آخر جراء عدة غارات جوية، وقصف مدفعي لقوات الاحتلال الصهيوني، أمس الاثنين، على عدة مناطق في قطاع غزة وأفادت مصادر محلية، باستشهاد ثلاثة مواطنين، وإصابة أربعة آخرين، جراء قصف طائرات الاحتلال مجموعة من المواطنين قرب دوار الكرامة شمال غربي مدينة غزة، فيما استشهد مواطن آخر متأثرا بإصابته في قصف سابق استهدف شارع النزاز بحي الشجاعية شرقي المدينة وفي شمال القطاع، أشارت المصادر إلى استشهاد مواطن وإصابة آخرين جراء قصف صهيوني… ثمّن الرئيس الجزائري عبد المجيد تبون والسلطان هيثم بن طارق، سلطان عُمان إنشاء “الصندوق الجزائري… اندلعت حرائق في مطار بورتسودان ومحيط الميناء الجنوبي بمدينة بورتسودان شرقي السودان إثر سماع دوي انفجارات قوية، وفق مراسل الأناضول تشارك الجزائر في أشغال مؤتمر ومعرض CIM Connect 2025، الذي تحتضنه مدينة مونتريال الكندية، خلال الفترة الممتدة من 4 إلى 7… ترأّس الرئيس الجزائري، عبد المجيد تبون، اليوم الاثنين، رفقة سلطان عُمان، هيثم بن طارق، مراسم التوقيع على مذكّرات تفاهم بين… أعلنت الجزائر، اليوم السبت، عن رفع حصتها من إنتاج النفط الخام بمقدار 9000 برميل يوميًا خلال شهر جوان المقبل، وذلك في إطار اتفاق الدول الثمانية لتحالف “أوبك+” على تنفيذ زيادة جماعية تدريجية في الإنتاج تقدّر… استقبل وزير الريـاضة السعودي، الأمير عبد العزيز بن تركي الفيصل، اليـوم الاثنين، النجم الجزائري ريـاض محرز وتشكيلة الأهلي السعودي بعد التتويج التاريخي… This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page A 46-year-old Staff Sergeant who was serving in an army unit in Alexandroupolis Greece’s Army General Staff (GES) announced The victim was fatally wounded by his service rifle inside the Camp The Army is investigating the circumstances of the incident It also expressed its sincere condolences to his family will start commercial operations in October 2024 enhancing gas supply diversification in southeast Europe a pivotal energy infrastructure project in Greece is on track to commence commercial operations in October 2024 This development follows the successful arrival of the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo at the floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) for commissioning purposes marking a critical phase in the project’s operational readiness FSRU Alexandroupolis arrived from Singapore 17 December 2023 after an extensive conversion process at Seatrium in Singapore the unit underwent a 10-month transformation The FSRU can store 153,500 m3 of LNG and has a regasification capacity of 23M cubic meters per day contributing significantly to the Greek national gas transmission system with an annual capacity of approximately 5.5Bn cubic meters The terminal is strategically connected to the Greek National Natural Gas Transmission System via a 28-km subsea and onshore pipeline enhancing the flow of natural gas to countries in southeast Europe including Bulgaria Romania and extending further to the Balkans and eastern Europe Alexandroupolis LNG terminal has garnered significant financial and political support including US$117M from the European Commission reflecting its crucial role in diversifying energy sources and supply routes Operator GasTrade’s managing director Kostis Sifnaios stressed the project’s importance for Greece’s national security and its strategic position in European energy networks highlighting its potential to serve as a critical energy hub for the wider region The terminal’s establishment is expected to boost the local economy and employment redefining Alexandroupolis as a key energy centre The project’s completion and the anticipated commercial operations in October 2024 are set to enhance regional energy security and align with broader European Union strategies for energy diversification and independence from traditional monopolies Riviera’s LNG Shipping & Terminals Conference will be held in London, 12 November 2024. Click here for more information on this industry-leading event The Alexandroupolis FSRU officially commenced commercial operations on October 1 marking a transformative step for Central and Southeast Europe’s energy landscape this terminal will serve as a critical energy gateway boosting energy security and diversifying supply routes for Greece and its neighbors It features a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) with a capacity of 5.5 billion cubic meters per year delivering natural gas to countries like Bulgaria The project was first envisioned by Dimitris Copelouzos and took over 15 years to materialize The terminal’s commercial operations follow the Final Investment Decision in 2022 and the successful installation of the FSRU Greece is set to become a significant energy hub integrating with other regional energy initiatives like the Vertical Corridor and facilitating natural gas trading across Southeast Europe The project has drawn participation from 14 companies and is already operating at near full capacity reinforcing the role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in reducing the region’s reliance on Russian gas have emphasized the terminal’s importance for regional energy security further enhancing Greece’s geopolitical influence in the energy sector Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a40e4bf23577ecf2aadd97080fc0c48e" );document.getElementById("c08a1a06c7").setAttribute( "id" This work, Alexandroupoli port continues growth from U.S. and NATO presence, by Alexandra Shea, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright US interest in utilizing Alexandroupoli as a key liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation hub in the Central and Southeast Europe region is highlighted by the agreement American company Venture Global announced to book 25% of the capacity to the new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) One million metric tons of LNG per year from Venture Global’s terminals in Louisiana will be unloaded at the Alexandroupoli FSRU facilities to be regasified and channeled through the pipelines of the Greek system to the markets of Southeast Europe strengthening the region’s supply security under the five-year agreement signed by the US company with Gastrade will receive the first loads from the Louisiana terminals in early 2025 The implementation time of the agreement is not by chance as it coincides with the possible interruption of Russian natural gas transmission through Ukrainian territory a development that creates new opportunities for American LNG and prospects for the development of Gastrade’s plan for a second FSRU in Thrace since the capacity of the existing unit is almost exhausted after the agreement with Venture Global Sources even say Dimitris Copelouzos will launch this second FSRU investment through Gastrade with the support of the American LNG industry which since 2023 has become the largest LNG exporter in the world with Europe as the main destination after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine The European interest in the strategic LNG infrastructure of Alexandroupoli is demonstrated by the visit to the terminal on Wednesday by the ambassadors of the 27 EU countries and their tour of the facilities by the Gastrade administration “As a major entry point for LNG in Central and Eastern Europe this strategically important infrastructure will be critical to the region’s ability to diversify its energy and access secure and reliable energy supplies,” stated Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel US ambassador to Turkey Jeff Flake on Wednesday said that the US military buildup at the northern Greek port of Alexandroupoli just a few kilometers from the Greek-Turkish border has nothing to do with Turkey but with the war in Ukraine We are not engaging in a buildup against it We are concerned about what is happening in Ukraine and are doing everything we can to support it,” Flake was quoted by the Turkish Hurriyet daily as telling CNN Turk The buildup in northern Greece is “merely a logistical effort,” he reportedly said adding that the United States sees both Greece and Turkey as equal allies Turkey and Greece have decided that the Aegean should be a sea of peace,” he said Alexandroupoli port in northern Greece has become a strategic NATO hub over the last few years for the transport of military hardware and personnel towards eastern Europe A 56-year-old man was killed in an explosion at a quarry in the Alexandroupoli area of northeastern Greece on Friday the explosion occurred during excavation work at the quarry Alexandroupoli police authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into the cause of the accident the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal is set to be commissioned on October 1 , 0 Bulgarian Minister of Energy Vladimir Malinov was given assurances that the technical issue at the Alexandroupolis floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) is under control The liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal offshore neighboring Greece’s northeastern coast was supposed to start operations in April Water was detected in the gas pipeline leading to the shore according to the Ministry of Energy in Sofia It said the obstacle was overcome nonintrusively and with no added costs The LNG terminal is scheduled for launch on October 1 Suppliers can declare the number of their cargoes by August 15 The slots for the LNG terminal will be allocated by the end of the month The expected commissioning coincides with the beginning of the gas year “The start of commercial operation of the terminal this autumn will give a competitive advantage and ensure the security of gas supply for the upcoming winter season for the Southeast European region in view of the potential suspension of Russian natural gas transportation through Ukrainian territory as of the beginning of next year,” Malinov stated The terminal will be able to turn LNG into 5.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year In addition, Serbia and North Macedonia also require more supply capacity and a diversification away from Russian gas Greece already has an LNG terminal in Revithoussa The Civil Aviation Service (CAS) certification for the state-owned international airports of Iraklio (Nikos Kazantzakis) and of Alexandroupoli (Dimokritos) was completed at a special ceremony at the service’s facilities on Friday The two international airports are the first of 10 airports managed by newly established CAS to have concluded their certification The certification of the remaining eight will be completed by the end of February The actions follow law 4757/2020 that transferred the management of airports from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to the Civil Aviation Service Certification of the airports is part of the obligation to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency officials inspected the airports’ facilities and the service’s central operations Regular as well as unscheduled inspections will continue in the future as part of certification regulations Deputy Transport Minister Vasilis Economou said that the certifications were “an important step toward upgrading Greek state airports we guarantee high-level security and operational efficiency boosting Greece’s role as an important airport hub.” The US government has ordered an urgent review of the viability and necessity of continuing operations at its base in the Greek city of Alexandroupolis It is explained that direct negotiations between Russia and the US on resolving the conflict in Ukraine have led the Trump administration to conclude that there is no longer a need to use the Greek base for transferring equipment to Kyiv The Greek authorities provided the base to US President Joe Biden for the supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) The base could be deemed unnecessary as the Trump administration views US-Russia talks on Ukraine as positive and productive The newspaper notes that this decision will be welcomed by Türkiye which has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of this hub a port and base used by NATO for deploying troops and equipment to Eastern Europe had been involved in a chain of weapons supply to Bulgaria via the Alexandroupolis-Ormenio-Orestiada railway line Military equipment was being sent from there for a week raising concerns and questions among local residents as no clear explanations had been provided to anyone the same Greek portals pointed out that military cargo deliveries to Ukraine were still ongoing from the port Trucks from Alexandroupolis had been transporting Bulgarian and Polish ammunition through the Balkans and Poland in December American weapons systems for Ukraine were also being sent by rail The naval base of the Greek Navy at Souda Bay on the island of Crete serves as a support point for NATO naval forces in the Eastern Mediterranean Military bases are also located on the island of Kastellorizo and near the city of Komotini NATO is using the Greek port of Alexandroupolis to transfer military equipment The port is located on the Aegean Sea coastline in northeastern Greece A coastal city that turns contrasts into compelling experiences It’s curious how a fishing village founded in the mid-19th century carries a royal name – that of Alexander I This is the first paradox of Alexandroupoli which quickly evolved into a significant port and commercial hub and a crossroads of continents and cultures it serves as a noteworthy stop for travelers between Europe and Asia where rich cultural heritage meets remarkable natural landscapes This fusion of different elements makes Alexandroupoli one of Northern Greece’s most intriguing cities and an up-and-coming travel destination and a wealth of activities and experiences that reward those who see it as more than just a stopover while exploring Evros’s unique landscapes Before winter sets in and temperatures drop and sun that always finds its way through the clouds It’s perfect for walks along the expansive Vasileos Alexandrou Avenue with coffee stops under the city’s iconic lighthouse waterfowl populations increase at the globally significant Evros Delta wetland White-fronted geese arriving for winter are impressive and about 70 other migratory species nesting in the area Over a century has passed since Alexandroupoli joined Greece in 1920 when the Greek flag first flew on its waterfront The city continues to evolve while maintaining its maritime heritage and distinct cultural identity Every visitor’s first stop is the city’s landmark – the towering lighthouse dominating the central waterfront from its 18-meter height now a recognized cultural heritage monument Its marble plaque notes nearly 150 years of operation After coffee beneath its imposing silhouette head east to the harbor with its picturesque fishing boats catch the sunset at the charming Prophet Elias Chapel just outside the city the waterfront offers nightlife and dining options from seafood taverns serving fresh Thracian Sea catch to local delicacies like kavourmas The city’s unexpected wealth of museums can fill days with exhibits that vividly narrate local history and showcase the region’s rare ecosystems the Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis uses interactive media to illuminate the city’s population groups housed in a beautiful preserved neoclassical stone building particularly traditional life in Evros from the 17th to early 20th century Deeply connected to folk tradition is the Sarakatsani Tradition Museum in Aisymi village – 22km north of the city – preserving Sarakatsani history and traditions The Cappadocian House of Evros Museum depicts daily life in Cappadocia while the Folk-Historical Museum of Feres presents interesting displays of old professions women’s costumes from Evros villages and everyday objects from local residents and refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor The Archaeological Museum fascinates with findings from the Thracian Sea floor the Ecclesiastical Museum displays religious art from the 16th to 20th centuries Children will particularly enjoy the Natural History Museum which uses modern technology to showcase the area’s unique habitat These natural wonders deserve firsthand exploration flowing 520 kilometers from Bulgaria to the Thracian Sea and islets with rare microclimates and rich vegetation appreciated by dozens of migratory birds wintering here whether at the Natura-designated Nipsa Grove hiking among beech and pine forests near Melia’s traditional windmills visiting the famous Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Forest Park or discovering Makri’s ancient olive grove with trees up to 2,500 years old Just as green and blue dominate Evros’s natural palette and define this border region, they set the scene at Alexandroupoli’s jewel resort, the Egnatia Perfect for discerning travelers on active city breaks or those just exploring this distinctive destination this high-end property blends seamlessly with its surroundings – a pine forest embraced by the sea while the resort – ranked among Greece’s finest by Condé Nast Traveler readers last year – serves as both an ideal base for excursions to the enchanting Dadia Forest National Park and Evros Delta and a perfect retreat after adventure-filled days A Green Key certification confirms its sustainable tourism practices and environmental performance programs The Egnatia offers uniquely styled accommodations featuring seasonal earth tones and generous views of either the verdant park or coastline and suites share distinctive spa bathrooms incorporating chromotherapy principles for private relaxation Luxury touches include the Executive Suite’s private pool and the Grand Suite’s handcrafted furniture Children enjoy special privileges – free stays up to age 12 (room-type dependent) complimentary kids’ lunches at the main restaurant’s Tasty Corner during select periods and endless fun at the Grecoland Kids Club a playground (and summer baby pool) guarantee young guests’ enjoyment while parents rejuvenate at the serene Elixir Fitness Club Inspired by the region’s position at civilization’s crossroads the wellness center combines modern atmosphere with oriental touches and electronic cardio equipment for fitness enthusiasts stands as a culinary landmark for the region Mediterranean cuisine meets cosmopolitan flair transforming classic recipes with fresh ingredients into contemporary dishes with international touches The terrace’s Thracian Sea views complete the experience the famous breakfast offers special delicacies to start exciting days while à la carte options highlighting local flavors are served with sea views and tempting snacks as you unwind watching the sun set over the Thracian Sea astiregnatia.com/ The European Commission has approved an investment of more than €157 million from the European Regional Development Fund for the first phase of a new natural gas system in Alexandroupolis The system comprises a floating storage and regasification unit - which converts liquefied natural gas (LNG) back to gas - and a pipeline The system will have a positive social impact in the region generating estimated economic benefits of over €1.2 billion and boosting many sectors by providing access to less expensive energy A key focus of the project is job creation By building capacity among local enterprises and workers the region will be equipped to manage much of the system’s development and organisation The project is expected to generate €382 million in CO2 emission and fuel-switch savings by contributing to the replacement of coal and oil by gas To explore EU-funded projects and to know more about the implementation of EU funds in Greece please visit Kohesio and the Cohesion Open Data Platform The commercial operation of the Alexandroupolis FSRU Terminal is starting on Tuesday transforming Alexandroupolis into a new energy gateway for Central and Southeast Europe “The project contributes to energy security and the diversification of the sources and energy supply routes of South-Eastern and Central Europe decisively upgrading the role and importance of Greece in the modern energy map of Europe becoming the energy gateway for more than nine countries,” Gastrade said The Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal consists of the FSRU which connects the floating unit to the National Natural Gas Transmission System and through it will deliver natural gas outside of Greece and to Bulgaria as well as Hungary and Slovakia to the west has a maximum regasification capacity of 5.5 billion cubic meters per year There are currently 14 Greek and international companies participating commercially in the project committing almost all of its capacity at least until 2030 “the start of commercial operation of the project marks the expansion of the Vertical Corridor initiative significantly strengthening its dynamics with the aim of creating a natural gas trading hub in Central and Southeastern Europe.” Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker