With Greece solidifying its role as an energy gateway to Southeastern Europe — through landmark developments such as the ExxonMobil–Energean–Helleniq Energy agreement for hydrocarbon exploration in the Ionian Sea and Athens’ emergence as a key player in Europe’s energy security — the arrival of new U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle has drawn significant attention. Behind her spectacular first week on Greek soil lies months of quiet but intensive preparation.

Strategic Momentum

While the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) convened for the sixth consecutive year, this edition carried special weight. Greece’s increasingly central energy role bears, by many accounts, the personal imprint of Kimberly Guilfoyle. Her official arrival in Athens coincided with the visits of several senior officials from the Trump administration, underscoring her strong personal network and influence in Washington.

According to sources familiar with the 47th U.S. president’s inner circle, Guilfoyle’s extensive political connections enabled her to mobilize top-level participation — including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum — both of whom joined her at multiple public engagements in Athens.

The successful outcome of the two-day P-TEC Summit at the Zappeion reflected months of meticulous groundwork. Guilfoyle is said to have personally overseen every detail leading up to the event, maintaining continuous communication with both Trump administration officials and Greek government figures, notably Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou. Her goal: to ensure the smooth coordination of the 3+1 Ministerial Energy Summit (United States, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel) and the related business agreements — all while keeping her efforts largely out of the spotlight.

High-Profile Engagements

From her first days in Athens, Guilfoyle’s stature and popularity in the United States were immediately apparent. She has long championed the Vertical Energy Corridor, advocating Greece’s emergence as a key entry point for U.S. LNG into Europe — a vision she first outlined during her Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing last July.

Barely six months later, that initiative is now official policy, confirming her determination and persistence. The clear message emerging from her early actions in Athens is that “America is back in the region,” reshaping the energy landscape in ways that also benefit Greek interests.

Her first week’s results reportedly pleased both U.S. and Greek officials. Guilfoyle received a warm welcome in the Greek capital, and her team expressed satisfaction with the success of the Zappeion forum. The U.S. Department of Energy’s live broadcast of the event and the State Department’s official statement on the 3+1 Energy Summit further underscored Washington’s renewed focus on the region.

Poised and Personable

During the presentation of her credentials at the Presidential Palace, Guilfoyle made a strong impression on both the Greek Presidency and the Foreign Ministry staff. Officials described her as highly informed on Greek affairs and personable in manner — qualities that stood out even among seasoned diplomats.

A former prosecutor known for her work ethic and focus, Guilfoyle demonstrated the same diligence in studying Greece’s “national agenda.” In her private meeting with President Kostas Tasoulas, she emphasized America’s recognition of Greece’s growing geostrategic importance as an energy hub and recalled her classical studies, which, she said, have long connected her to Greek culture. She also reminisced about being in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games, covering the event, and expressed a desire to deepen her understanding of the Greek Orthodox Church.

“A Bright Future”

Reflecting on her first days in Athens, Guilfoyle described her appointment as “an honor,” adding, “I look forward to strengthening the enduring friendship between the United States and Greece.”

After accompanying Secretaries Wright and Burgum to a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, she called their discussion “fantastic,” noting that “America is focused on results — building alliances that enhance security, expand opportunity, and promote prosperity. Greece is a nation that leads with courage and conviction, and a vital partner in this shared mission.”

Prime Minister Mitsotakis welcomed her warmly: “We’re very happy to see you, and you arrive at a time when Greek–American relations are at an all-time high — though there’s always room to grow further.” He added that Greece remains a pillar of stability and a reliable U.S. ally in the region.

Next Steps

Despite an already packed first ten days of meetings and agreements, Guilfoyle and her team are determined to deepen bilateral ties. Among her priorities are visits to Greece’s regions to gain a broader understanding of the country and its people.

She has also maintained close contact with the Greek-American community since her appointment, and the next major milestone in U.S.–Greece relations is expected to be the upcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Athens.

Her meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, described as cordial and productive, laid the groundwork for a new round of cooperation — including the 6th U.S.–Greece Strategic Dialogue, tentatively scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. Should that occur, Guilfoyle’s active diplomacy is expected to further raise the bar for U.S.–Greek relations.