Turkey and Northern Cyprus sign natural gas pipeline deal

On 10 July, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a bidirectional natural‑gas pipeline. The project will span about 101 km, with 97 km under the sea and 4 km on land, linking Anamur in Turkey to Teknecik in the TRNC via two 22‑inch lines. Designed to transport gas from the island to Turkey and onward to Europe, the pipeline’s capacity is expected to exceed the TRNC’s own demand, creating new export routes for East Mediterranean gas.

Experts note the pipeline could reshape regional energy dynamics, offering alternatives to the Israel‑Egypt gas flow and encouraging further exploration. While the agreement is still in planning and commercial phases, with completion unlikely before 2030, Turkish officials say the project will proceed despite objections from the Greek Cypriot side and criticism from the EU. Turkish Defence Ministry reiterated that Turkish troops on the island remain a guarantee of stability.

The development is presented by Turkey as an energy corridor that will boost regional security and economic cooperation, while TRNC leaders have warned that the Greek Cypriot administration’s opposition will not halt the project.