Great Sea Interconnector: Greece, Cyprus, and Israel Move Forward, Seeking U.S. Backing

Great Sea Interconnector: Greece, Cyprus, and Israel Move Forward, Seeking U.S. Backing

The Three Countries Push for Energy Connectivity

Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are moving forward with their decision to establish an electricity interconnection linking the three countries, while actively involving the United States in the process. According to Brief, despite the Cypriot government's silence on the matter and its efforts to downplay discussions regarding the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the energy ministers of the three nations met in Athens to discuss the project.

Greece, with Cyprus's consent, is actively seeking Israel’s support to promote the project at the White House, leveraging the strong relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Following the meetings, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece's commitment to the project, stating, "The plan for the electricity interconnection between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel will be implemented." He further emphasized Greece’s support for strengthening trilateral cooperation in energy connectivity and regional security.

Moreover, he revealed a new development: "We look forward to expanding the partnership by reactivating the '3+1' framework with the inclusion of the United States." He clarified that he had personally raised the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their recent meeting in Washington, where the American official responded positively in principle.

Pressure on Turkey to Cease Threats

Greece and Cyprus are urging for international pressure on Turkey to end its threats and actions against ships conducting research in the region or those involved in laying the cables for the electricity interconnection.

The recent meetings also focused on strengthening trilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international developments, with particular attention to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The next trilateral meeting is scheduled to take place in Jerusalem in early April, continuing the broader cooperation framework among the three nations to enhance energy security, regional stability, and defense collaboration.

Israel’s Commitment to the Project

Since December, Israel has signed an agreement to strengthen strategic energy cooperation with Greece. The Israeli Ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, recently commented on the electricity interconnection, stating, "The project establishes a real connection and, compared to other initiatives, is closer to realization. This demonstrates Israel's commitment to the project, despite acknowledging that several steps remain before its completion."

European Commission’s Role in the Project

Meanwhile, PASOK MEP and Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Professor Giannis Maniatis, has submitted a written inquiry to the European Commission regarding the obstacles delaying the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection.

The Commission has been asked to clarify:

  1. Whether there are risks to the project’s timeline and the €657 million in allocated funding.

  2. Whether the Greek government has updated the Commission on recent developments and what joint protective measures have been taken.

  3. Whether the Commission is considering appointing a European coordinator under Article 6 of Regulation 2022/869, similar to what was done for Baltic member states.

According to Brief's sources, Greece and Cyprus have the option to formally request the European Commission to appoint a European coordinator for projects of common interest, including the Great Sea Interconnector.

Experts note that in response to the urgent needs of the Baltic countries, the Commission has already appointed expert Catharina Sikow-Magny as the European Coordinator for the Baltic Synchronization Project. This initiative aims to fully integrate Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the EU’s continental electricity network.

The synchronization of these Baltic states with the EU grid has been one of the most pressing energy infrastructure priorities for the past 12 years, receiving political, technical, and financial support. The appointment of a coordinator was necessary following the recent integration of the Baltic countries into the EU electricity network in February, as additional measures will be required in the coming years.

Loader