Great Sea Interconnector project faces renewed Greek-Turkish tension

Great Sea Interconnector subsea electricity cable Eastern Mediterranean energy Greece-Turkey relations Meridiam

The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, designed to link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel via a 1,200-kilometer subsea cable, has entered a new phase of development amid geopolitical tensions. The project has gained renewed momentum following the entry of the French infrastructure group Meridiam as a major shareholder, a move officials suggest enhances the project's economic viability and security.

Turkey has raised objections to the project, asserting that any seabed surveys or cable-laying activities in maritime areas where it claims jurisdiction require prior coordination or authorization from Ankara. Turkey argues that such communication is necessary to ensure cooperation and avoid conflicts in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In response, Greek officials, including government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis and Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hacıvasiliu, have rejected Turkey's demands. They maintain that the project is being conducted in full accordance with international law and the Law of the Sea, and that Greece does not require permission from Turkey to proceed with activities in its sovereign maritime zones.

The project also appears to have gained increased political backing from the United States, which has reaffirmed its support for energy security and regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Entities

Cyprus · Eastern Mediterranean · Great Sea Interconnector · Greece · Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection · Israel · Meridiam · Pavlos Marinakis · Tasos Hacıvasiliu · Turkey

Claims

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

[● 2 SOURCES] The GSI project aims to connect the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel via subsea cables. www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · www.sigmalive.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Turkey asserts that seabed surveys and mapping in disputed or Turkish maritime zones require prior authorization from Ankara. www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · www.macropolis.gr · thefaq.gr · www.in.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The GSI project will proceed according to its current planning. www.energygame.gr · www.usay.gr
[● 5 SOURCES] Greece maintains that it does not require permission from Turkey to conduct activities for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · thefaq.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The involvement of the Meridiam group and French interests adds security to the project. www.iefimerida.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The project involves laying a subsea electrical cable approximately 1,200 kilometers long. www.sigmalive.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The French Meridiam group has entered the shareholder structure of the GSI project. www.reporter.gr · www.in.gr · www.sigmalive.com · www.sofokleousin.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Washington has reaffirmed its support for energy security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. www.sigmalive.com