Reaching out west to the Ionian Sea, east to the Aegean Sea, south to the Mediterranean Sea, and standing at the crossroads of three continents, Greece is a true gateway to Europe, Africa and Asia.

Greece is evolving into an energy hub for the whole of the EU. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) was selected to transport natural gas from Azerbaijan via Greece, Albania and Italy to Europe. It is estimated that it will provide enough energy for as many as 7 million EU households. The EuroAsia Interconnector, an underwater electric cable, connecting Israel, Cyprus and Greece, is expected to change the energy agenda in the Southern Mediterranean region.

 

With more than 250 days of sunlight, Greece ranks 4th in Europe and 7th internationally in terms of capacity for new solar power installations, while photovoltaic plants cover 3% of the country’s total electric power needs. Wind power projects are also growing and it is estimated that today, 1400 MW of wind farms are operating, while the target is 7,500 MW to be installed by 2020.

Greece counts 39 ports, with Piraeus being undoubtedly the crown jewel. The country’s main port is achieving impressive growth rates, rendering it a major gateway for EU commerce. 29 of Greece’s 39 airports handle international flights. Athens International Airport alone has handled 13 million people in 2012. State-of-the-art Egnatia motorway stretches from Greece’s westernmost edge close to Italy to its easternmost borders close to Turkey, connecting the EU with Asia.

Greece has always been the focal point of civilizations meeting and interacting with each other, leaving an indelible mark on the country. Thessaloniki, the country’s second biggest city is historically the ultimate urban melting pot, where Europe met the Middle East and the Balkans met the Mediterranean.