The European Commission’s pending approval of gas grid operator DESFA’s acquisition of a 20 percent stake in Gastrade, the company established by the Copelouzos group for the development and operation of the Alexandroupoli FSRU, a floating LNG terminal planned for Greece’s northeast, is expected to be on the agenda of an Athens meeting this Thursday between energy minister Kostas Skrekas and the European Commission’s Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, also Brussel’s Commissioner for Competition.

The Greek government considers the Alexandroupoli FSRU to be a pivotal energy supply source for Greece and the EU.

Gastrade’s other participants are awaiting Brussels’ approval of the DESFA entry so that they can go ahead with an investment decision and commence its development.

European Commission approval of DESFA’s participation in the Alexandroupoli FSRU is necessary as the company is the operator of Greece’s gas grid and, by acquiring a 20 percent of Gastrade, would also gain entry into an independent gas system.

The DG Comp’s endorsement of the DESFA entry is seen as a formality following Brussels’ recent approval of the entry of Bulgaria’s Bulgartransgaz as a fourth member of the Gastrade consortium, also with a 20 percent stake.