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Cyprus’ push to join the Schengen Area and the future of the Great Sea Interconnector were among the key issues discussed by the leaders of Cyprus, Greece and France on the sidelines of the MED9 summit in Split, Croatia.
President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron held a brief meeting during the summit, with the next steps for the GSI project among the issues on the table.
The meeting comes at an important point for the €2 billion electricity interconnection project, which is designed to connect Cyprus with Greece through Crete and eventually help end the island’s long-standing energy isolation.
The project has faced delays and political complications, including objections from Turkey that previously contributed to the suspension of seabed surveys.
However, the project’s ownership structure has changed significantly. French investment group Meridiam has acquired a 66% stake in the company responsible for the project, the Great Sea Interconnector.
The next major step is expected to be the issuance of a NAVTEX allowing seabed surveys to resume in parts of the continental shelves of Cyprus and Greece, as well as international waters between Kasos and Cyprus.
Christodoulides has repeatedly stressed the European importance of the project, pointing to its potential contribution to the EU’s energy security and supply. He also linked the interconnector to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, known as IMEC.
Schengen bid gets support
Cyprus’ application to join the Schengen Area was another major issue at the MED9 summit.
The summit’s joint declaration welcomed the positive findings of the European Commission’s 2025/2026 assessment of Cyprus and the start of discussions within the EU Council.
The MED9 leaders said they expected the remaining steps toward full membership to be completed in a timely manner, arguing that Cyprus’ accession would strengthen the security and collective capacity of the Schengen Area.
Christodoulides also discussed the remaining requirements for Schengen membership during a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Energy and EU funding
During discussions on preparations for the next European Council meeting, Christodoulides focused on energy security, Cyprus’ role in Europe’s energy network and the island’s position as the EU’s southeasternmost member state.
He also called for sufficient EU funding for priorities affecting Mediterranean member states under the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
These priorities include migration, cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, connectivity and infrastructure.
The President also pointed to Cyprus’ cooperation with neighboring countries on regional security and emergency response. Among the examples was the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station, or CRAFS, established with European Commission support to improve the region’s ability to respond to wildfires.
Middle East also on agenda
The Middle East was discussed during a working lunch attended by Jordan’s Crown Prince.
Christodoulides called for continued European support for Jordan and Egypt, which he described as vital to regional stability. He also urged the EU to help prevent a security vacuum from developing in Lebanon.
Cyprus’ humanitarian role in the region was also discussed, including the Amalthea maritime corridor and the country’s involvement in evacuating civilians from conflict zones.
Cyprus issue
The MED9 declaration reaffirmed support for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the United Nations framework and in line with EU principles and laws.
The leaders welcomed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his plans for an expanded meeting involving all sides, aimed at creating conditions for the resumption of negotiations.
The declaration also stressed the importance of Turkey contributing constructively to the return of negotiations.
The MED9 leaders called for the avoidance of unilateral actions, including in Varosha and along the ceasefire line, and stressed the need for respect for international law, sovereignty and the sovereign rights of EU member states.
They also called for reduced tensions and stronger good-neighborly relations as essential elements for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Finally, the declaration welcomed CRAFS as an important regional initiative to improve preparedness against the increasingly severe wildfire threat facing Mediterranean countries.
