Greece’s Atlantic Sea LNG Trade is in talks to secure up to 15 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year from the United States for supply to Southern Europe under a 20-year agreement.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, that the talks come as Greece seeks to strengthen its role as a gas transit route to Europe, while the EU is preparing to halt gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027—intensifying competition for long-term LNG supplies.

The company is negotiating long-term contracts with U.S. suppliers and, in parallel, is seeking deals with potential buyers from Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, Austria and possibly Ukraine.

Atlantic Sea LNG Trade CEO Alexandros Exarchou said now is the best time to negotiate future prices:

“If Europe does not want to become dependent on gas again, it must conclude long-term agreements with the United States to ensure balance and access to gas at reasonable prices in the future.”