Great Sea Interconnector faces tensions over Turkish NAVTEX

Great Sea Interconnector Eastern Mediterranean NAVTEX Greece-Cyprus interconnection Turkey maritime claims

Tensions are rising in the Eastern Mediterranean regarding the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, an electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus. Turkey has issued new NAVTEX notices, challenging Greek and Cypriot sovereign rights by claiming jurisdiction over maritime areas south of Rhodes, east of Crete, and west of Cyprus. Ankara specifically disputes the upcoming geophysical surveys for the East to Med Corridor (EMC) cable, scheduled to begin around October 21, 2026, using the vessel KOBI RUEGG.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey does not oppose the project but demands formal written notification rather than verbal communication regarding maritime surveys. He suggested that Turkey could alternatively provide electricity, water, and natural gas to the region at a lower cost.

In Cyprus, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos linked the release of €25 million in state funding to the issuance of a Greek NAVTEX by the end of October, which would signal the resumption of technical works. While the project faces geopolitical risks and cost discrepancies between declared and recognized expenses, officials maintain that the interconnection is essential for energy security and geopolitical stability.

Entities

ADMIE · Angelos Syrigos · Cyprus · European Investment Bank · Great Sea Interconnector · Greece · Hakan Fidan · Michalis Damianos

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Turkey proposed providing electricity, water, and natural gas as an alternative to the GSI. www.onalert.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Work on the cable interconnection is expected to begin in early November. economytoday.sigmalive.com · www.lykavitos.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Hakan Fidan stated Turkey does not oppose the GSI project but requires written notification for maritime surveys. www.onalert.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Cyprus Electricity Regulatory Authority (RAEK) has recognized €82 million in expenses to date. www.sbctv.gr · www.tothemaonline.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The KOBI RUEGG vessel is scheduled to begin surveys on October 21, 2026. www.enikos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.cnn.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The GSI project's total declared expenses by ADMIE are €302 million. www.sbctv.gr · www.tothemaonline.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Cyprus will release €25 million for the GSI project if a Greek NAVTEX is issued by the end of October. www.sbctv.gr · www.tothemaonline.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Turkey issued a NAVTEX for geophysical surveys in areas south of Rhodes and east of Crete. www.enikos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr