WSJ report scrutinises US envoy's role in $6B energy deal in Albania

An investigation published by The Wall Street Journal has raised ethical questions regarding US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and lobbyist Christos Marafatsos over their roles in facilitating a $6 billion natural gas contract in Albania.

According to the report, Guilfoyle traveled to Tirana in March to meet Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by an executive from Greek infrastructure firm Aktor and Marafatsos. She returned to the Albanian capital the following month for the official signing of the agreement to supply Albania with energy.

The investigation highlights potential conflicts of interest, noting that Marafatsos serves as an advisor to the ambassador while simultaneously lobbying for private commercial energy interests across Europe. Neither diplomatic representatives nor regional officials have publicly addressed the allegations.

Sources: Gazeta Tema, Koha.