Investigation details US diplomatic role in Balkan energy deals

An investigation by The Wall Street Journal, reported by regional news outlets, details the involvement of US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and lobbyist Christos Marafatsos in European energy agreements. In March, Guilfoyle met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana alongside executives from the Greek company Aktor and its lobbyist. The meeting was followed a month later by the signing of a $6 billion deal to supply Albania with gas. Marafatsos, who advises Guilfoyle while lobbying in the energy sector, has drawn attention regarding the intersection of American diplomacy, corporate lobbying, and Greek energy interests across Southern Europe. The reports highlight ongoing questions over the diplomatic backing of private commercial transactions in the region.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha