His work Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), designed to unite Greece with Cyprus electrically and release the Energy isolation of Megalonissoshas turned into a point Intense political and diplomatic confrontation. What started as a symbol of cooperation today seems to be testing the strengths of Athens -Nicosia Relations, with ADMIE, the Cypriot Government And the Greek government in opposite positions, and Turkey’s role to add new geopolitical challenges.
The position of the Republic of Cyprus
What raises reasonable questions from the scene that has been shaped is the attitude of its president Cypriot Republic Nikos Christodoulides. Officially Nicosia’s position on energy project remains unchanged.
The Electric cable is a key energy infrastructure for Cyprus, In addition to resolving its energy, it gives the island to the island and geopolitical value to the Eastern Mediterranean. “Nicosia’s position is clear, the position of the Republic of Cyprus is single. The project is of strategic importance. Its viability depends on the implementation of commitments made by the implementing body, which is the ADME And we look forward to the implementation of these commitments, “said Christodoulides Wednesday, who was not placed on those who publicly reported by the Ministry of Education to the” Kathimerini “of Cyprus.
In the political backdrop of Nicosia, views on the real aspirations of the Cypriot side are divided. TheThunderbolt remained in the background, the absence of presidential intervention was attributed to the reasons for maintaining balance within the government. Subsequently, the political background was intense that the Cypriot side is making second thoughts on its participation in GSI and that it creates the necessary background of its release.
It should be noted at this point that there was also talk of intense pressures of businessmen from the RES production area, which they consider the cable as its competitor.
The Crisis After Lightning Statements – The Message of Athens
The occasion of the tension was the interview of Minister of Finance of Cyprus, Maki Keravnou, where he reiterated his doubt about the viability of the project and left clear spikes forA ADMIE delays In timetables, construction issues and sinks. Mr. Keravnos emphasized that he does not intend to approve the Disbursement of 25m euros approved by RAEK For the recoverable expenses of ADME For 2025, until the implementing body is completed.
The interview sparked a strong reaction to Athens. Executives such as the Vice President Kostis Hatzidakisthe Minister of Energy Stavros Papastavrou And government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis called for immediate clarification from Nicosia, underlining the strategic importance of the project for Greece and Europe.
“This cable is integrated into European energy planning. It is not a national plan in Greece. It concerns electricity interconnections at European level and is therefore a European priority project, “the Deputy Prime Minister said. Kostis Hatzidakis.
“There have been discussions between the two governments from time to time. It is a plan by which Cyprus is mainly beneficial. For reasons I think, obvious, Cyprus’s energy isolation is lifted. Beyond that, the Greek government’s commitment is very specific. It has been expressed in many different ways, not only with statements, but also with specific moves by individual ministries and public bodies, but it remains to be clarified what Cyprus wants to do, “he added.
“As for Greece, I repeat, our commitment is a given. The Cypriot government is this, after the statement made by the Cyprus Finance Minister who must clarify its stance, “he concluded.
“No step behind Athens,” diplomatic sources clear about Great Sea Interconnector’s work. In particular, the intention of Athens is to continue the project based on planning as well as European support, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Lana Zochi.
Specifically, Lana Zochu states:
“The electrical interconnection with Cyprus and Israel is a work of geostrategic importance. Has secured European support. In addition to European support, this project is based on international law. The project will proceed with planning. “
The Greek government has raised the tones, warning Nicosia for the consequences of a delay in disbursement of money. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that Greece is seeking to complete the project, but the costs cannot be fully borne by the country, as it is a European, not national project.
THE Minister of Energy Stavros Papastavrou He noted that lightning statements “send ambiguous message and raise questions” and stressed the need for the Cypriot side to clarify its position. The issue will be raised in the informal Council of Energy Ministers, with representatives on both sides.
O Gerapetritis and Ankara’s reactions
Immediately after the “crumbs” caused by the Thunderbolt interview, the Greek government raised the tones, focusing on Turkey, which is the main cause of delays in the implementation of the project.
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis warned of “consequences” in the event of blocking work by a “third country”, photographing Turkey. As he stated:
“Turkey has attempted to pursue a policy of blocking this European project. This did not stop the Greek effort. Investigations have been completed … The cable pont the cable will continue, “adding that the project is a” part of the geostrategic puzzle in the Eastern Mediterranean “.
This statement caused immediate leaks by the Erdogan government, which described the statements as a “self -threat”. Athens, however, states that the project is European and that any obstruction will have political costs for Ankara.
ADMIE insists and the timetable
ADMIE argues that the project is proceeding normally, with the construction of the cable in Nexans factories and that the delays in the subruits do not affect completion planning in 2030. It calls for a disbursement of EUR 25 million a year, according to the 2024 agreement, without the completion of the minister.
Geopolitical Analysis: Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and the EU
The project is not just about bilateral Greece -Cyprus relations. It is part of European energy planning and is a strategic tool for the Eastern Mediterranean, enhancing the EU’s geopolitical presence in the region and reducing Cyprus’s energy dependence.
Turkey sees the growth of the cable as a threat to its interests in the Southeast Mediterranean, which enhances the tension and delays in the selves. Greece, for its part, is trying to send a clear message: the project is not bilateral “caprice”, but a European priority with political costs in the event of obstruction.
Economic dimension: cost, viability, taxpayers
The project requires significant investments, with € 25m representing ADMIE recoverable costs approved by RAEK for 2025. The Cypriot government, through the Minister of Finance, argues that no money can be disbursed while there are delays by the implementing body. Greece, for its part, insists that the costs cannot be borne exclusively by Greek taxpayers and that Cyprus will be the most beneficial.
Analysts point out that delay in disbursement may increase the cost of the project, create energy production involvement and affect the credibility of the two governments against European institutions and investors.
Scenarios for the future
Next Nicosia and Athens moves will determine whether the electric bridge will be completed or remain a symbol of lost opportunities:
- Cooperation and acceleration: Cyprus clarifies its position, the amounts are approved and the work continues normally, ensuring completion by 2030.
- Political rupture: The disbursement is delayed, Greece is pushing through European mechanisms and Turkey is exploiting the delay for geopolitical advantage.
- New Framework of Understanding: Creation of a revised framework of agreement with clear timetables and commitments to satisfy both sides, reducing geopolitical and economic dangers.
Great Sea Interconnector is now more than just a technical project. It is a test of relationships, geopolitical strategy and financial management. The coming weeks will show whether Greece and Cyprus will be able to turn the disputes into cooperation or whether the project remains a symbol of disagreement and missed opportunities in the Eastern Mediterranean.