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US Expands Energy Collaboration With Greece to Reinforce Strategic European Security

Strategic Energy Realignment

During a pivotal visit to Athens, US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum underscored America’s determination to widen its energy partnerships, notably with Greece. This initiative is designed to enhance energy abundance among allies while curbing the influence of adversaries by limiting Europe’s reliance on Russian oil and gas supplies.

Tactical Energy Partnerships

In recent days, Burgum has worked across Europe to secure energy deals that align with broader strategic objectives. In Athens, he met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to articulate a clear US agenda: to provide reliable energy options for Western allies, thereby reducing the necessity to purchase from competitive geopolitical rivals. The discussions come amid Greece’s announcement of a consortium bid—including industry leader Chevron—to explore natural gas opportunities in its waters.

Mitigating Russian Leverage

The initiative gains additional weight in the context of rising measures that have dramatically cut EU oil imports from Russia by 90%, despite some exceptions. With Europe currently reducing its dependency on Russian energy—from 45% of its gas supply pre-2022 to roughly 13% this year—the US strategy is to further accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels that finance Moscow’s geopolitical ambitions.

Regional Implications and Future Prospects

Greece’s energy landscape is in rapid transformation, marked by a 95% increase in US liquefied natural gas imports in the first half of the year. Moreover, a 2019 maritime agreement, though controversial, has bolstered Greece’s stance on its offshore boundaries, especially as Chevron expresses interest in blocks near Crete. These developments not only solidify American support for Greece’s territorial claims but also signal a recalibration of regional energy dynamics.

This strategic realignment underscores a broader US commitment to exporting its shale gas and oil reserves, thereby offering an effective counterbalance to Russian energy power in Europe and reinforcing economic stability for its allies.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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