Turkey-TRNC undersea gas pipeline dispute

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has introduced its ‘Hedef 2033’ development vision, which includes a plan for a natural gas pipeline connecting the TRNC to Türkiye. To facilitate this, Türkiye deployed the seismic research vessel Oruç Reis to survey a 101-kilometer route. The project aims to reduce energy costs and potentially serve as a transit route for gas exports to Europe.

The project has faced opposition from the Greek Cypriot administration. Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos stated the planned pipeline violates sovereignty and international law, an issue the administration intends to raise within the European Union.

In response to diplomatic complaints at the United Nations and the European Union, TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel affirmed that the pipeline project will continue at full speed. He asserted that the TRNC and Türkiye conduct research in the Eastern Mediterranean based on legitimate rights without requiring permission from Greek Cypriot leadership, maintaining that the Greek Cypriot administration lacks the authority to interfere with TRNC strategic projects.

TRNC officials have continued to rebuke Greek Cypriot diplomatic actions regarding the Akdeniz Araştırma 1 research vessel. TRNC Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for reporting energy projects to the EU, arguing that these large-scale projects, developed in partnership with Türkiye, are designed to benefit the entire island and the broader region. Taçoy called on the Greek Cypriot side to participate in these economic opportunities instead of attempting to block them through international complaints.