Media reaction

Commission to probe Greek oil and gas drilling after NGO intervention

17 December 2024

Offshore gas drilling in Greece is in further doubt as the European Commission confirms it will assess whether repeat approval for projects is legal.

ClientEarth, WWF Greece and Greenpeace Greece filed a formal complaint with the Commission, flagging that drilling was systemically being approved despite clear dangers posed to marine species, and proximity to protected sites. The organisations had exhausted all potential remedies at national level, leaving intervention by the Commission the last line of defence.

Following the threat that the complaint would be closed, the NGOs reiterated their legal arguments in September, urging the Commission to scrutinize the issue.

Commission officials have now confirmed that they will “seek clarifications” on how the Greek authorities arrived at their approval decisions.

ClientEarth wildlife lawyer Francesco Maletto said: “Fossil fuel drilling, at the direct expense of nature, merits legal scrutiny by the EU Commission and we’re extremely pleased to see that will go ahead as we asked.

“The European Commission is the guardian and enforcer of EU laws. It's essential they act to ensure that laws are not undermined by Member States as we are seeing here from Greece.

“Nature fights climate change; oil and gas worsen it. There is only one logical, and legal, path to take.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Read the background here:

  2023: NGOs urge European Commission to intervene as Greece flouts EU law for benefit of oil and gas activities | ClientEarth

  2024: Oil and gas drilling near protected Greek whale site set to go ahead - if Commission drops complaint | ClientEarth

  Scientific evidence shows that such harmful practices, which include generating loud seismic waves, drilling and an increase in the number of vessels, are likely to jeopardise protected marine areas and threaten endangered species such as whales, dolphins, Monk seals and Loggerhead turtles. These species are found across the Hellenic Trench, a critical habitat and marine biodiversity hotspot of global ecological importance, that extends from the northern Ionian Sea to south of Crete.

  The NGOs are urging the European Commission to reassess legal and scientific evidence of impact on biodiversity – from activities including drilling, installation of pipelines and platforms, and site decommissioning (sometimes using explosives) – and take action to ensure that EU laws are not undermined.

About ClientEarth

ClientEarth is a non-profit organisation that uses the law to create systemic change that protects the Earth for – and with – its inhabitants. We are tackling climate change, protecting nature and stopping pollution, with partners and citizens around the globe. We hold industry and governments to account, and defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. From our offices in Europe, Asia and the USA we shape, implement and enforce the law, to build a future for our planet in which people and nature can thrive together.