ATHENS – Greece is becoming an energy hub with the official start of implementation of the floating storage and gasification terminal LNG (FSRU) off Alexandroupolis, government spokesman Yiannis Oikonomou said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Oikonomou also stated that a new package of support measures will be announced to contain the increases in energy prices, adding that there will be an intervention for horizontal substantial support.

Oikonomou referred to the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Alexandroupolis for the inauguration of the LNG storage terminal and stressed that Greece is becoming an independent gateway to natural gas in Southeast Europe.

“It contributes to Greece becoming an energy hub of major importance, upgrading the country to many levels. Greece is using the crisis as an opportunity to become stronger,” he said.

He added that the government is working for the country’s energy efficiency and independence from Russia, while he said that payments in Moscow will be made in a way that does not violate EU sanctions and does not endanger the country’s energy security.

The government is determined to stand by every citizen, Economou said noting that a new framework for supporting society for energy accuracy will be announced in the near future.