**EU Support for Great Sea Interconnector Project Seen as Defense Against Turkish Opposition**
The European Union's backing of the Great Sea Interconnector project has been characterized as a protective measure against anticipated opposition from Turkey, according to Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. In an interview with CyBC radio on Wednesday, Letymbiotis emphasized the project's significant geopolitical implications, underscoring the importance of EU support in navigating potential challenges posed by Turkey.
Letymbiotis acknowledged that the interconnector project has faced "significant technical and economic challenges" during its planning and implementation phases. However, he noted that "substantial progress" has been made recently, bringing the project closer to completion than ever before. This optimism is partly attributed to the recent acquisition of a majority stake in the project by French asset management firm Meridiam. Letymbiotis highlighted Meridiam's extensive experience in similar projects, citing its successful construction of the cable connecting the electricity grids of the United Kingdom and Germany.
In a related development, Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos announced that a navigational warning, known as a navtex, will be issued in the coming weeks. This warning will inform maritime vessels of upcoming seabed surveys necessary for the installation of cables between Cyprus and Crete. The surveys are set to be conducted by a French vessel, differing from the previous surveys carried out by the Italian research ship Ievoli Reulme in 2024.
The interconnector project, which aims to enhance energy connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean, has seen approximately 60 percent of its seabed surveys completed. However, the remaining 40 percent of the seabed lies within disputed waters claimed by both Greece and Turkey. These conflicting territorial claims have previously hindered survey efforts, leading to heightened tensions in the region. In 2024, Turkish naval vessels were dispatched to the area when the Ievoli Reulme inadvertently entered waters Turkey considers its own. In response, Greece deployed several naval vessels, including frigates Nikiforos Fokas and Aittitos, to the vicinity.
The European Commission has reiterated its expectations for Turkey to engage in good neighborly relations and to work towards the peaceful resolution of disputes in the region. The ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Great Sea Interconnector project highlight the complexities of energy infrastructure development in areas with overlapping territorial claims.
As the project progresses, stakeholders remain hopeful that the EU's involvement will facilitate smoother operations and mitigate potential conflicts, paving the way for a more integrated energy network in the Eastern Mediterranean.