Delays in the immersed for the Crete -Cyprus electrical interconnection and the implementation of the project cause serious friction in Greece -Cyprus relations.

The delay in making sinks in international waters between Cyprus and Crete with the aim of completing the Great Sea Interconnector project for the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electric interconnection causes serious friction in Nicosia-Athens relations. Turkey’s warnings of a dynamic reaction if new sinking efforts are being made are delaying the completion of the project, with the result that the Republic of Cyprus postpone the payment of 25 million to the ADMIE implementing body.

“Lightning” from Cyprus

The tension was triggered when Cypriot Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos in an interview with the daily Cyprus newspaper referred to studies of independent organizations for unsustainability of the project. At the same time, he referred to “economic, technical and geopolitical data” that discouraged Cyprus from the release of 25 million to ADMIE for 2025, despite the 2024 agreement.

In response, the Vice President of the Greek Government Kostis Hatzidakis said that “Greece’s commitment to electric interconnection is a given” and called on Cyprus to clarify its stance. This was not done, however, with yesterday’s statements by the President of Cyprus on the issue, since Nikos Christodoulides had enough to say that “Cyprus wants the interconnection, but in order to be sustainable, ADMIE must implement some commitments”. At the same time, he revealed that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is starting to investigate in relation to possible criminal offenses regarding the work of electrical interconnection.

To avoid conflict

It is worth noting, however, that the disagreements are inextricably linked to the delay in the implementation, due to the Turkish stance, which still does not accept the cable ponation in the area southeast of Kassos, as it considers that it falls into the continental shelf based on the Turkol. Greece rejects the Turkish position, citing international law, which allows for cables to cake in international waters. The Turkish stance, however, is not different, which does not allow the Italian company that has undertaken the sinking to begin the work that will lead to the final phase of the project. The delay substantially affects the finances of the project and, by extension, the attitude of the sides over their financial obligations.