Mitsotakis: Greece and Cyprus will continue with the €1.9 billion undersea cable

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sent a direct message to Turkey on Sunday, reiterating that Greece and Cyprus will press ahead with the undersea power cable project valued at €1.9 billion. Mitsotakis said the two states are the competent authorities to issue permits for the research and works connected to the scheme, which includes French companies among its participants.

Diplomatic dispute over maritime areas

The statement followed a diplomatic row after Ankara challenged parts of the maritime zone where the surveys for the cable route are to take place. Turkish officials say sections of the planned route cross areas they consider to be on their continental shelf and that their consent is required for the surveys. Greece rejects those claims and points to international maritime law in response.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, however, said the dispute over the maritime notices has been resolved, without offering further details. Greek and Cypriot officials have maintained that jurisdiction over permits rests with them and that work will continue.

The research vessel Abej Marengo, which is taking part in survey work for the project, is expected to resume activities on Monday. The undersea cable, referred to in regional reports as "Grejt si interkonektor," is designed to connect the power grids of Greece and Cyprus and could potentially be extended later to Israel.

European Union officials view the project as strategically important because it would strengthen energy links in the Eastern Mediterranean and reduce Cyprus's energy isolation. French companies' involvement has been noted as part of the international component supporting the initiative.

For now, Athens and Nicosia are moving forward with permits and preparatory surveys despite Turkey's objections, while Ankara's announcement that the matter is resolved leaves room for further clarifications in the coming days.

Photo: press material from the event