Thrace, once a 'forgotten frontier', is becoming a vital geopolitical and energy hub for Europe as it seeks alternatives to Russian energy. The region, especially Alexandroupolis, is central to the EU's energy diversification strategy, with natural gas expected to remain crucial in the energy mix. Greece aims to leverage its infrastructure, including the Vertical Corridor pipeline, to meet increasing gas demands in central and eastern Europe. However, financial challenges and political negotiations in Brussels complicate the future of gas infrastructure funding, while the US shows interest in supporting these developments.