Greece calls possible Turkish obstruction of surveys inconceivable — Cyprus Mail

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said he considers possible obstruction by Turkey of seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector project between Crete and Cyprus inconceivable. The work is due to begin in the coming weeks. As Cyprus Mail reports, if implemented, the interconnector will link the energy grids of Cyprus, Greece and Israel.

NAVTEX for surveys

According to Gerapetritis, Greece is to issue a NAVTEX — a navigational notice for ships — concerning the upcoming surveys in the waters between Crete and Cyprus. He said that electricity interconnections of this type cannot be restricted by any country under international law.

The Greek foreign minister also said that Athens would advance the project in cooperation with France, while the European Union is monitoring its implementation. The Great Sea Interconnector has the status of an EU project of common interest, and the European Commission has provided it with a €657 million grant. Last month, French asset management company Meridiam acquired a majority stake in the project.

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Disputed maritime areas

Greek electricity transmission system operator Admie said that about 60% of the seabed surveys have already been completed. The remaining 40% of the areas are located in waters claimed by both Greece and Turkey.

Such disputes have already hindered work between Cyprus and Crete. In 2024, Turkey sent warships after an Italian research vessel entered waters that Ankara considers its own. Greece also dispatched its own warships to the area.

Athens and the Republic of Cyprus, referring to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, believe that islands have their own exclusive economic zones. Turkey is not a party to this convention and maintains a different position on maritime zones between Cyprus and Crete.