Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
By Dora Antoniou
Efforts to restart work on the electricity interconnection between Greece and Cyprus are emerging as a new test in Greek-Turkish relations following recent developments linked to the declaration of two marine parks by Turkey.
The prospect of resuming the project comes after work was effectively frozen following Turkey’s reaction to and obstruction of bathymetric surveys in waters off Kasos in July 2024. If Ankara is responding directly to Greek initiatives in the region, some form of reaction to steps aimed at restarting the project is considered likely.
According to a Cypriot government source, a series of telephone contacts took place last week among Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, French President Emmanuel Macron and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The discussions focused on advancing procedures for restarting the project.
Sources also said a similar round of contacts had taken place before the agreement under which French investment group Meridiam acquired a majority stake in the electricity cable project. The latest discussions centered on the next steps needed to ensure the project resumes and is completed with the fewest possible difficulties.
A key milestone is the resumption of bathymetric surveys, a prerequisite for laying the cable. High-level political consultations are focused on coordinating actions related to the issuance of a Navtex for the project.
Attention is now turning to Turkey’s response. Questions remain over whether Ankara’s position could be influenced by the strengthened French presence in the project and by the prospect of a French company carrying out the surveys. Another unresolved issue is whether Turkey will maintain its position that no energy project in the wider region should proceed without its approval.
Government sources said the project would move forward according to the contractor’s schedule. “The political will on the part of Greece, Cyprus, France and the European Union should be considered a given. For our part, we will do what is required for the full and unhindered implementation of the project,” the sources said.
Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Ministry officials are closely examining the wording of two presidential decrees issued following the marine park declarations. Officials believe the language will help determine future diplomatic and European-level initiatives concerning what Athens describes as Turkish provocations and violations of fundamental principles of international law.
