**Work on Great Sea Interconnector Could Resume by Year’s End**
Work on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a significant project aimed at linking the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus, may resume by the end of this year, according to Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. In a recent radio interview, Gerapetritis emphasized that Greece would not seek Turkey's permission to proceed with the project, reiterating the country's commitment to advancing the interconnector regardless of regional tensions.
The timeline for the resumption of work on the GSI is contingent upon the contractor's schedule, with Gerapetritis expressing optimism that activities might restart within the next few months, potentially before the end of 2026. He stated, “International law is clear: it does not require Turkey’s permission. Nor will any permission be sought from Turkey.” This assertion underscores Greece's stance on the project, which is backed by the European Union, having received approximately €650 million in funding.
The GSI is designed as a subsea cable that will facilitate the transfer of electricity between Greece and Cyprus, enhancing energy security and integration in the region. However, the project has faced significant challenges, particularly due to Turkey's claims over maritime zones in the eastern Mediterranean. Ankara has maintained that the cable's proposed route intersects areas it considers to be under its sovereign rights, asserting that any surveys or construction activities in these zones should be communicated to Turkey in advance.
Gerapetritis acknowledged the potential for varying Turkish reactions to the project, stating, “We’re not concerned, but of course we are very attentive to these matters.” He highlighted Greece's preparedness for a range of scenarios, from minor to more intense responses, as part of the country's strategic planning.
The GSI project has been stalled since the summer of 2024 when Turkish warships intercepted a research vessel conducting seabed mapping in international waters near the island of Kasos. Although some limited mapping efforts were attempted later that year, broader construction and funding for marine research were put on hold amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and financial disputes.
Greece maintains that the GSI is a peaceful infrastructure initiative that does not require approval from any third country. In a notable development, French investment group Meridiam became the majority shareholder of the GSI in August, while Greece’s independent power transmission operator, Admie, continues to lead the technical aspects of the project and will manage the interconnector upon its completion.
As preparations for the GSI advance, reports in the Greek media have indicated that a Navtex, or navigational telex, may be sought in October to facilitate seabed surveys. A Navtex serves as a notice to mariners about upcoming marine activities in a designated area, which could be a crucial step in moving the project forward.
The GSI is not only a vital infrastructure project for Greece and Cyprus but also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics in the eastern Mediterranean, where competing claims over maritime boundaries continue to create friction. The differing interpretations of international law by Greece and Turkey, particularly concerning the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, further complicate the situation. While Greece and Cyprus argue for the rights of islands to have full maritime zones, Turkey, which is not a signatory to the convention, disputes this notion.
As the situation evolves, the potential resumption of work on the GSI could have significant implications for energy cooperation in the region, as well as for the ongoing dialogue between Greece and Turkey regarding maritime rights and territorial claims.