Brussels, 14 October 2026 – In a historic first for Greece and a milestone moment for Gastrade, the Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System (INGS) has won the REGIOSTARS 2026 Award in the “A Connected Europe” category, becoming the first Greek project to receive this honor since the awards were launched in 2008.
With this award, the European Commission recognizes the project’s strategic contribution to interconnecting energy markets and strengthening the security and resilience of Europe’s energy system. The distinction also highlights the value of cooperation among countries and institutions in addressing shared challenges.
From its base in Alexandroupolis, the project opens a new gateway for liquefied natural gas into Southeast and Central Europe. At its heart is a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), connected to Greece’s National Natural Gas Transmission System by a 28-kilometre subsea and onshore pipeline. The Alexandroupolis INGS strengthens energy cooperation across borders, broadens regional markets’ access to natural gas, and supports the development of a more interconnected and flexible European energy system. The project also underscores Alexandroupolis’ strategic position as a focal point for energy development across the wider region.
The project traces back more than 15 years to the vision of businessman Dimitris Copelouzos. Turning this ambitious vision into reality required long-term planning, perseverance and the collaboration of numerous people and stakeholders. Today, developed and operated by Gastrade, the project demonstrates how an investment originating in Greece can achieve far-reaching European impact, creating value to the markets and countries it serves.
European Union co-financing played a decisive role in bringing the project to fruition. Funding came through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Operational Programmes “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” 2014–2020 and “Environment and Climate Change” 2021–2027. This support underlines the role of EU cohesion policy in enabling strategic investments that advance shared European objectives.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gastrade CEO Konstantinos Sifnaios said:
“We are very excited and proud of this distinction. It took more than 15 years for Dimitris Copelouzos’ vision to become reality and evolve into an infrastructure whose impact reaches far beyond Greece’s borders. This award is an important recognition of the value that energy infrastructure can deliver when conceived with a European perspective and designed to meet broader needs. It also acknowledges the dedication of everyone who believed in this project and worked to bring it to life.
The award holds particular significance for Alexandroupolis and its local community, as it highlights the important role the city can play at a European level. For Gastrade, this recognition is a powerful validation of a long journey and an incentive to continue developing infrastructure that creates lasting value for Greece and the wider region.”
The REGIOSTARS Awards are a European Commission initiative that showcases projects supported by EU cohesion policy that make a meaningful contribution to the economic and social development of Europe’s regions. This year’s competition attracted 274 entries from across the European Union, competing in five categories. The recognition of the Alexandroupolis INGS highlights the importance of strategic infrastructure and its ability to connect markets, strengthen cooperation and open up new opportunities for growth.
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About Gastrade S.A.
With a strategic focus on supply security, energy source diversification and cross-border interconnectivity, Gastrade S.A. actively contributes to shaping a sustainable and resilient energy landscape for Greece and Southeastern Europe. The Company developed and, since October 2024, operates the Alexandroupolis Independent Natural Gas System, one of the region’s most significant energy infrastructure projects. The Company is also a key participant in the European Vertical Gas Corridor initiative, promoting the uninterrupted flow of natural gas from Greece to the markets of Southeastern and Central Europe, thereby supporting energy stability, sustainable growth and regional integration.
Gastrade S.A. is currently developing the Thrace Independent Natural Gas System, a project that will further strengthen Greece’s role as a regional energy hub.
More information about Gastrade is available at www.gastrade.gr.