NEW YORK – The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC), in collaboration with the American College of Greece (ACG) and the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Greece), hosted ‘Transatlantic ΣΥΝ-ERGIES: Energy, Capital & Global Ventures’ on November 4 at Chiotes Hall in New York City, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in New York.
The event brought together distinguished representatives of government, business, academia, energy, finance, and the maritime industry for an evening of substantive dialogue on the evolving U.S.-Greece strategic partnership and the growing importance of energy security, infrastructure development, investment, and technological innovation.
The gathering underscored Greece’s increasingly significant role as a strategic energy and infrastructure hub connecting the United States, Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean, while highlighting opportunities to transform transatlantic cooperation into meaningful commercial partnerships.
The ‘Transatlantic ΣΥΝ-ERGIES: Energy, Capital & Global Ventures’ event was held on November 4 at Chiotes Hall in New York City. Photo: Courtesy of HACC
Opening Remarks and Distinguished Greetings
Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper, HACC President, welcomed participants and emphasized the urgency of strengthening energy resilience and economic competitiveness amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
“Tonight’s theme could hardly be more timely,” she observed, noting that the future of energy will depend on diversification, connectivity, technology, and investment.
She emphasized that infrastructure development must be accompanied by capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation to transform strategic ambitions into commercially viable projects.
She stressed that we must also prepare for a new challenge: the rapidly growing demand for electricity driven by artificial intelligence, data centers and the electrification of our economies.
She also mentioned the importance of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Athens, who reinforced the importance of energy cooperation, the Vertical Gas Corridor, American LNG and new investment opportunities.
The evening featured a special prerecorded address by Stavros Papastavrou, Minister of Environment and Energy of the Hellenic Republic, who highlighted the strength of U.S.-Greece energy cooperation, the strategic importance of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor as a vital link between Greece and European energy markets.
Minister Papastavrou also emphasized Greece’s commitment to expanding energy interconnections, renewable energy, storage capacity, and investment opportunities.
Representing the Consulate General of Greece in New York, Consul of Greece Petros Dorizas conveyed greetings on behalf of Consul General Iphigenia Kanara, recognizing the importance of collaboration among the organizing institutions and the Greek-American community.
A prerecorded message from John D. Saracakis, President of AmCham Greece, reinforced the importance of a shared long-term vision and the need to translate strategic cooperation into projects that attract investment, strengthen competitiveness, and generate lasting economic value.
Left to right: Dr. Kostas Andriosopoulos, John Catsimatidis, John Stratakis, Dr. Nikolas Tsakos, and Markos Marinakis. Photo: Courtesy of HACC
Education as a Bridge for Transatlantic Cooperation
The evening’s first fireside conversation, ‘From Knowledge to Impact: Building Transatlantic Bridges through Education’, featured ACG President Edward C. Wingenbach, PhD, in conversation with Eraklis A. Diamataris, co-publisher-co-editor of The National Herald.
Their discussion explored the role of higher education in strengthening ties between Greece and the United States, developing future leaders, encouraging entrepreneurship, and reconnecting younger generations of the Greek diaspora with their heritage.
President Wingenbach highlighted ACG’s international academic community, its expanding educational programs, and its role in fostering innovation and connecting promising ideas with investment and business opportunities.
The Global Energy Crisis: What Happens Next?
The second fireside conversation brought together John Catsimatidis, Chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group and HACC Advisory Board member, and John C. Stratakis, Esq., also a member of the HACC Advisory Board.
Under the theme ‘The Global Energy Crisis: What Happens Next?’, the discussion examined the geopolitical and economic consequences of energy market disruptions, rising energy costs, international developments, and the challenges facing businesses and consumers.
Drawing upon his extensive experience in energy, business, and broadcasting, Catsimatidis shared his perspectives on the global energy landscape, the importance of economic stability, and the opportunities for greater American investment in Greece.
The conversation also touched upon entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of encouraging future generations to pursue ambitious goals.
Left to right: Joshua Volz, Dr. Nikolas Tsakos, Ted Loch-Temzelides, and Dr. Kostas Andriosopoulos. Photo: Courtesy of HACC
Powering the New Economy: Energy, Infrastructure, Investment & Global Connectivity
The first panel discussion, moderated by Katerina Sokou, Head of the U.S. Office of AmCham Greece, featured Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources; Jeff Wilson, senior executive at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM); and Mikko Kantero, Executive Vice President, Korkia.
The panel explored the intersection of energy security, infrastructure investment, technological advancement, and global competitiveness.
Discussions focused on the growing electricity demands associated with artificial intelligence and data centers, the importance of renewable energy and grid modernization, and the financing mechanisms necessary to advance large-scale infrastructure projects.
Particular attention was given to the Vertical Gas Corridor, the role of American LNG in strengthening European energy diversification, and the importance of removing regulatory and commercial barriers to cross-border energy cooperation.
Panelists also examined the essential role of public-private partnerships, institutional financing, and private capital in transforming strategic infrastructure priorities into viable investments.
U.S.-Greece Strategic Energy Partnership: From Energy Security to the Digital Economy
The evening’s final panel was moderated by Prof. Dr. Kostas Andriosopoulos, Director of the HELLENiQ ENERGY Center for Sustainability and Energy at Alba Graduate Business School, ACG.
The distinguished panel featured Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos, Founder, President and CEO of TEN Ltd. and HACC Advisory Board member; Ted Loch-Temzelides, Professor at Rice University; and Joshua Volz, Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration, U.S. Department of Energy.
The discussion examined the strategic relationship between energy security, maritime transportation, economic development, and technological transformation.
Panelists emphasized the vital contribution of Greek shipping to global energy transportation, the importance of protecting international maritime routes, and the growing opportunities for cooperation between American energy producers and the Greek maritime industry.
The discussion also addressed renewable energy integration, electricity storage, cross-border infrastructure, and the need for coordinated regional policies that support long-term investment and energy reliability.
A recurring theme throughout the evening was that energy security and economic competitiveness are increasingly interconnected, requiring close cooperation among governments, industry leaders, financial institutions, and academic organizations.
Dr. Tsakos also highlighted the Tsakos family’s private Merchant Marine Academy on the island of Chios, which trains approximately 100 aspiring captains and marine engineers, including women. He spoke of the academy’s commitment to maritime education and expressed an interest in providing American mariners with opportunities to gain practical international experience through its facilities and vessels.
Left to right: John Catsimatidis, John Stratakis, and Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper. Photo: Courtesy of HACC
A Shared Commitment to Meaningful Transatlantic Partnerships
The success of the event reflected the strong collaboration among the HACC, ACG, and AmCham Greece, as well as their shared commitment to advancing dialogue and creating new opportunities between Greece and the United States.
HACC extended its special appreciation to Antony Contomichalos, HACC Board member and ACG Trustee, whose generous sponsorship made the event possible.
Sincere appreciation was also extended to HACC Advisory Board members John Catsimatidis, John C. Stratakis, and Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos for their distinguished participation and contributions.
HACC further recognized the dedicated efforts of the organizing teams, including Prof. Dr. Kostas Andriosopoulos, Claudia Carydis, Aliki Giannakopoulou, and Alexandra Spyrou-Mitsakis, whose collaboration and commitment were instrumental in bringing the event to fruition.
The evening concluded with a networking buffet reception, providing participants with an opportunity to continue conversations, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.
Transatlantic ΣΥΝ-ERGIES: Energy, Capital & Global Ventures reaffirmed the importance of bringing together leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to strengthen established relationships, encourage innovation, and translate shared strategic priorities into tangible opportunities for investment, economic growth, and lasting cooperation.
The event was recorded, and video coverage will be made available through the HACC’s website: www.hellenicamerican.cc.