A country’s geography can be turned into a strategic advantage. Europe is at such a historic turning point, and Greece has an opportunity to become a key player in the new energy architecture.The Vertical Gas Corridor is not simply a route for transporting natural gas. It is a strategic European initiative that is reshaping the balance of energy security, strengthening interconnectivity and enhancing the geopolitical importance of Southeast Europe. As the European Union accelerates its drive to fully phase out Russian natural gas by September 2027, the need for diversified sources and reliable alternative supply routes is becoming even more critical. Greece now has the infrastructure and interconnections to play a greater role in Europe’s energy security.From energy periphery to the centreFor decades, Greece and Southeast Europe were at the end of the main European energy routes. Today, the picture is changing. Greece is emerging as a major energy gateway to Southeast, Central and Eastern Europe. The Vertical Corridor creates an axis for two-way natural gas flows from south to north and vice versa. Its value lies in creating an interconnected, flexible and resilient regional energy system.DESFA, the Operator of the Greek national Natural Gas System, working with the transmission system operators of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova and Ukraine, is at the heart of this effort. This cooperation transcends national borders and strengthens Europe’s security of supply.DESFA as a strategic pillarDESFA’s role is steadily expanding. Through investment in infrastructure, increased cross-border capacity and the development of competitive capacity products, the operator is helping to unlock the full potential of the Vertical Corridor.Greek energy infrastructure is taking on a European mission, as the security of Greece’s system is now increasingly linked to the security of neighbouring markets. This is perhaps the most important element of the new reality: Greece is no longer simply an end destination for energy, but a critical hub within a broader European energy network.Greece and Italy: strategic partnersAgainst this new energy geography, the relationship between Greece and Italy is acquiring particular strategic depth. The two countries are increasingly connected by shared European interests in energy and infrastructure.Greece lies at Europe’s southeastern gateway, while Italy is one of the continent’s most important economic and energy hubs. Their cooperation can strengthen an axis linking the Mediterranean with the Balkans and Central Europe.This relationship is not only geopolitical but also structural: Italian energy company Snam holds a stake in DESFA through the Senfluga consortium, while since February 2026 the operator has been headed by Maria Sferruzza, who brings extensive international experience in the global energy sector, having previously held a senior executive position at Snam. Her international energy-sector experience represents an important asset for Greek-European energy relations.A Chamber with a genuine strategic footprintIn this new reality, the role of the Hellenic-Italian Chamber of Commerce of Athens also takes on particular importance. The Chamber is one of the key institutional and business players in bilateral economic relations, with a strong presence in the strategic energy sector.Among its members, supporting members and board members are leading companies in the energy and infrastructure sectors, including PPC, Edison, DESFA, HEDNO, IPTO, RENCO and TERNA. Its close cooperation with the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Athens further strengthens this mission.The Chamber thus acts as an important institutional catalyst, transforming the longstanding friendship between Greece and Italy into modern business partnerships, investment and strategic economic and energy cooperation.From corridor to regional platformThe Vertical Corridor is now entering a new phase of commercial, regulatory and strategic maturity. The participation of North Macedonia through NOMAGAS and Serbia through Transportgas Srbija paves the way for expansion into the Western Balkans.Therefore, the Vertical Corridor is evolving from a cross-border natural gas route into an integrated regional platform for energy cooperation. It strengthens security of supply, diversifies sources and routes, enhances infrastructure resilience and supports the integration of energy markets.The central message of the Vertical Corridor is ultimately simple: Europe’s energy security cannot depend on a single source, a single supplier or a single route. It requires diversification, interconnectivity and cooperation.This is where Greece’s major opportunity lies as it now occupies a pivotal position in the new European energy landscape. DESFA is one of the main pillars of this transition, while Italy is a natural and strategic partner.The Vertical Corridor can become the route through which Southeast Europe moves from the energy periphery to the heart of Europe. Greece is no longer the end of an energy route. It is the beginning of a new one.And this new route carries more than natural gas. It carries security, investment, competitiveness, geopolitical stability and European resilience.That is the true strategic role of the Vertical Corridor. And it is Greece’s great opportunity.