Eastern Mediterranean tensions rise over subsea cable project

Tensions are rising in the Eastern Mediterranean over the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, a subsea electricity cable intended to link Greece and Cyprus to Israel. Greece is seeking to revive the project with support from France, specifically through the French company Meridiam, which holds a 66% stake in the GSI project.

Turkey has expressed strong opposition, asserting that any cable or pipeline activities within its continental shelf must be coordinated with Ankara. In response to regional developments, Turkey has deployed the Oruç Reis research vessel to the area as part of a natural gas pipeline project connecting Turkey to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

To mitigate conflict, Greek and French entities are reportedly exploring a formula to inform Turkey of seabed research activities near the islands of Kasos and Kerpe. While Greek officials maintain that the cable route passes south of Turkey’s declared maritime zones and requires no permission from Ankara, Turkish authorities emphasize that international law requires prior coordination with coastal states for such activities.