Hydrocarbon exploration will commence in 2019 in the Ionian Sea, the President of the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management S.A. (HHRM S.A.) said in an event on Tuesday. Yiannis Bassias said drilling is scheduled to start in the Gulf of Patras and Katakolo.

Tirana's prosecutor's office has began an investigation regarding the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) agreement between Greece and Albania, according to reports.

Today, sources from the Greek Environment Ministry stated to Athens-Macedonian News Agency, that the nation is predicted to allow hydrocarbon permit bids.