**Macron and Mitsotakis Discuss Great Sea Interconnector Amid Cyprus Developments**
In a significant meeting held in Paris on Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron focused on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing electricity connectivity between Greece and Cyprus. This discussion comes at a pivotal moment as Cyprus anticipates the implementation of the GSI following recent developments.
The GSI project has been a topic of interest since its inception in 2012, and recent progress has raised hopes for its realization. During their talks, Mitsotakis and Macron emphasized the next steps needed for the electricity interconnection, particularly after the announcement that the French company Meridiam will become the majority shareholder in the GSI. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in driving the project forward.
In addition to the GSI, the two leaders addressed broader geopolitical issues, including developments in the Levant and the Middle East. Mitsotakis provided Macron with an update on the recent trilateral meeting involving Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, which took place in El Alamein, highlighting the collaborative efforts in the region.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides expressed optimism about the GSI's prospects, noting that there have been "substantial developments" towards its implementation. He characterized Meridiam's involvement as "decisive," underscoring its importance for both the financial viability and geopolitical implications of the project.
However, concerns regarding the project's financial aspects were raised by Cyprus's Finance Minister Makis Keravnos. In a statement to MPs, he cautioned that the GSI could incur costs significantly higher than the estimated €1.9 billion, as this figure does not account for additional expenses such as insurance, storage, and maintenance. Keravnos also indicated uncertainty regarding the impact of the GSI on energy prices, stating that there is no guarantee that energy costs would decrease as a result of the interconnector.
Energy Minister Michalis Damianos reiterated that the primary objective of the GSI should be viewed through the lens of energy security rather than solely as a means to reduce energy prices. This perspective aligns with the broader goals of enhancing the energy infrastructure and resilience of Cyprus and the region.
The discussions between Macron and Mitsotakis reflect a growing commitment to regional cooperation in energy matters, as well as the strategic importance of the GSI for both Greece and Cyprus. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its development and potential implications for energy security and economic stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.