The message that the electrical interface Cyprus-Greece-Israel is “a project integrated into European energy planning” was sent by the Vice President of the Government, Kostis Hatzidakisfollowing the distancing signals from Nicosia who insists that the geopolitical issues that accompany the implementation of the project do not allow for hasty movements.
As he explained to ERT, Mr. Hatzidakis from this project “The main benefit will be the benefit of Cyprus For obvious reasons, as it removes its energy isolation. ” He also clarified that “the project cannot be paid only by Greek taxpayers, there must be sharing as with all cross -border projects.”
He stressed that “the Greek government’s commitment is specific and has been expressed not only by statements but also by specific movements by ministries and bodies” while for the Cyprus government he said that “it should clarify its stance”.
Nicosia’s position
As protothema.gr wrote earlieron the one hand, the Greek government, and lastly Brussels, which see the cable as a strategic European project with the funding of hundreds of millions, and on the other the Cypriot government, which seems to use the issue of payments as a lever in the wider geopolitical puzzle.
Although RAEK has already approved an adjustable revenue of 25m euros, the Treasury refuses to open the payroll faucet, considering that the project remains dead.
In this context, in a statement in the daily Cyprus, the Minister of Finance (who also has the final OK) Makis Keravnos says that the project is not financially viable and cites two studies on it. Since the Cypriots are withdrawn from the project in the end, then ADMIE with the French Nexans should decide how to continue the project. Already yesterday, the Commission reiterated its support for the project, with 650 million.
As the newmoney.gr At the same time, the Commission convenes repeated meetings with RAEE, RAEK and ADMIE, such as the one held last Friday, August 29, attempting to keep the project alive, while the Cypriot side sends the bill back to the government,
“I have two studies from independent and serious organizations before me, which conclude that this project is not viable, in these terms,” Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said in an interview with “Kathimerini of Cyprus”. The minister stressed that “the debate is taking place because the project is complex with financial, technical and geopolitical aspect. I would also like to note something else. It has been discussing this project since 2010 and described as European as the Commission has decided to fund it with 650 million. The question I ask is why the European Commission, which has funds under strict terms and specific timetables, after so many years does not wonder why this project was not done? “
Government sources in Nicosia reported to Protothema.gr How “the project is of strategic importance for the Republic of Cyprus. The viability of the project depends on the conditions and commitments it has taken ADME And we are expecting their implementation. “
In the observation that what the Minister of Finance has said is different from what has said in an interview by President Christodoulides yesterday, the same sources said: “There is no difference in positions. If the conditions and commitments are implemented by the implementing body (ADMIE) the project will be viable. “
The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, In an interview that gave the previous days to protothema.grhe implied that Cyprus is not going to move without seeing tangible examples of consistency and implementation of the implementing body that is ADMIE.
At the same time, he attempted to send a balance of balance, stressing that there is a common understanding with Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the European importance of the project. But reality shows That Athens and Nicosia are not at the same wavelength.
And this is when scenarios are being carried out in Athens to restart research activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, after their violent interruption last year due to tension with Turkey in Kaso. Scenarios that Nicosia faces with skepticism, knowing that Ankara is not going to let the energy scene evolve without reactions.
Yesterday, the spokesman for energy issues, Anna Kaiza, was clear: the project is not only a European priority, but also a geopolitical tool for EU energy security, showing the pressure it is trying to exert on the project.
He even recalled that 657m euros have already been allocated by the Connecting Europe Facility mechanism and an additional 100m euros from the recovery fund, making it clear that Brussels is awaiting timetables.
Nicosia, however, seems to play on a double dashboard: on the one hand it cannot ignore European political commitment, on the other hand knows that the project is not “technical” but heavy political, with Turkey already sending messages.
In essence, the attitude of the Cypriot government captures the dilemma of a country that, while wanting to remain at the center of European energy plans, does not want to become the first victim of a new regional tension.