Greece and France appear close to an agreement on a formula that could allow the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) to move forward, according to an official Greek government source.
The proposed arrangement centres on French company Nexans, a subcontractor of Meridiam, which now holds the majority stake in the project.
Under the plan, Nexans would notify Ankara of its intention to conduct seabed surveys in international waters east of Kasos and Karpathos around October 26. At the same time, the company would seek the required authorisation from Athens under the relevant provision of its contract with Greece.
Notification versus authorisation
According to the Greek government source, the proposed formula could break the current deadlock.
Turkey is expected to argue that notification of the survey effectively amounts to seeking authorisation, while the Greek-French side maintains that notification does not constitute a request for approval.
This distinction would allow the surveys to proceed while both sides maintain their existing legal positions.
However, the claim remains subject to caution. A Greek government official said last December that the issue would be resolved by the end of January.
Turkish sources, meanwhile, said that as of Friday no formula had been found that would satisfy all sides and allow the project to proceed without diplomatic tensions. They added that efforts were continuing.
Turkey insists on prior coordination
Turkish diplomatic circles have discussed direct coordination between Nexans and Ankara as a possible compromise.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry has nevertheless reiterated that any cable or pipeline laying, as well as scientific research, in areas Ankara considers part of its continental shelf must be coordinated with Turkey in advance.
Ankara regards this as a non-negotiable requirement.
Turkey bases its position on maritime agreements it signed with Libya and the Turkish Cypriot administration in the occupied north of Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey. Ankara submitted the relevant agreements to the United Nations in 2020.
Possible double NAVTEX formula
Greek analysts have also raised the possibility of separate NAVTEX notices being issued from Heraklion in Crete and Antalya.
Such an arrangement could allow Greece and Turkey to maintain their respective legal positions while the survey work proceeds.
The possibility of a double-NAVTEX formula has emerged as efforts continue to find a way forward for the GSI without triggering a wider diplomatic confrontation.
Oruc Reis research continues
Meanwhile, the Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis, accompanied by support vessels, is scheduled to conduct research until October 25.
Turkish media have linked the activity to plans for an underwater pipeline towards the Turkish Cypriot-controlled area.
The NAVTEX covering the research was issued on the same day Ankara announced its position on the Crete-Cyprus cable.
Ankara raises wider regional concerns
Turkey has also expressed concern over Greece-Cyprus military cooperation with Israel and Egypt.
Ankara argues that such alliances, together with the Republic of Cyprus’ defence activities, undermine confidence and contribute to rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The latest developments leave the GSI facing a delicate balance between advancing the project and avoiding a new confrontation over maritime jurisdiction.
Also read: GSI: Turkey seeks to keep Cyprus isolated from regional energy links
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