The handling of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection, the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), has now shifted to a diplomatic level, as it falls under the scope of foreign policy and extends beyond the responsibilities of the system operator. This was stated by Manos Manousakis, President and CEO of Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).

According to an IPTO announcement, speaking at the 8th Annual "Circle of Ideas – Greece After" Conference, Manousakis addressed the geopolitical challenges of the project. He noted that both the Greek government and IPTO had anticipated the geopolitical risks from the outset but emphasized that "there is a strong will to continue the project, and intensive efforts are being made in this direction."

He further stated that Israel fully supports the project, as the country currently lacks interconnections with its neighbors and remains vulnerable during periods of electricity supply challenges.

Regarding the project's progress, Manousakis highlighted that 160 kilometers of cable have already been laid, and seabed surveys have been completed in the territorial waters of Greece and Cyprus.

He described the GSI as a key national project with significant economic and geopolitical benefits for all participating countries. According to Manousakis, cross-border electricity interconnections have historically been essential infrastructures for the European Union's single economic area.

The IPTO statement also noted that the energy integration of Cyprus with Greece will not only strengthen the island’s connection to the EU’s electricity market but also enhance social well-being and positively impact Cypriot consumers.

The Greek government remains committed to restarting surveys for the GSI in the Kasos and Karpathos areas, despite expected technical delays due to ship unavailability. Surveys are set to resume in April, ahead of the Greece-Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara.

Despite Turkey’s objections, Greece will proceed, asserting its right to operate in international waters. Diplomatic efforts to reach a provisional agreement failed, prompting Greece to move forward independently. Meanwhile, France will maintain a discreet presence in the area, while Israel has agreed to intervene with Washington if necessary.