18836 - The major lisencing round of the Greek EEZ

N. Lygeros
Translated from the Greek by Athena Kehagias

The major lisencing round regarding the twenty marine plots was issued in the European Union newspaper on November 13, 2014, therefore, three months past by, and three more are remaining in order for the nominations of the companies to be submitted.
There was no change so far even in the the syntax of the competition, which is recognized as lawful by the 28 member states, while it’s context is situated within the Greek EEZ.
This practically means, that Greece has already won something, that has geopolitical dimensions through this competition. So we can also imagine the subsequent benefits due to the agreements that will result.
The only problem is that with previous statements the climate is not so positive anymore, and we saw the consequences on the small lisencing round involving Ioannina, Patraikos and Katakolon, from which the large companies withdrew.
It is therefore necessary for Greece to send a clear message, that it would be following the tender procedure, in order to sustain those who already expressed interest, but also for others to ender the lisencing round in this quarter.
Because this competition in actual fact, consists of twenty independent competitions, where each regards a specific marine plot. Also many of these marine plots are touching on the midline with Albania, Italy and Libya, and additionally they are simultaneously within foreign FIR.
This means that they play a role, not only in the energy field, but also of course in the geopolitical one. Consequently, if the major lisencing round does not contain many powerful applications, then it will be a blow to the stature of the whole competition of the Greek EEZ and of Greece. This is what we must pay attention to, in order to utilize affectively our sovereign rights.