On September 18, the Hellenic Parliament ratified the first three concessions, granting rights for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction in offshore locations in western Greece, specifically in Katakolo, Ioannina and the Patras Gulf. During the session, which Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis described as "historic," MPs also ratified a fourth contract that modified the existing hydrocarbon exploitation contract in the Thracian Sea, in the northeast of Greece.

Maniatis also sought to address fears concerning environmental safety issues, saying that a team of experts had been working on a new, stricter European legal framework for offshore drilling platforms, noting that Greece will be the first country to adopt the stricter standards established by EU directives.

See also Greek News Agenda: Offshore Licensing Round @ London & Hydrocarbon Deals Sealed