The route of the Great Sea Interconnector could be adjusted as Greece and France seek to reduce the risk of renewed tensions with Turkey ahead of crucial seabed surveys for the electricity link between Greece and Cyprus.
Athens and Paris appear to have concluded that a “light redesign” of the cable route may be necessary, according to a report by Kathimerini, while Greece is also considering the timing of a possible extension of its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles south and west of Crete. Ekathimerini
The developments come as the Great Sea Interconnector enters a critical period, with further seabed surveys required before work on the project can advance.
Possible change to cable route
The proposed adjustment would seek to keep the cable away from areas covered by the so-called Fethiye-Kas national marine park, which Turkey declared south of Kastellorizo on 15 August.
According to Kathimerini, the objective would be to reduce the possibility of Ankara claiming authority to prohibit activities in the area and creating further obstacles for the project. Ekathimerini
The move is not presented by the Greek side as recognition of Turkish jurisdiction, but rather as an attempt to reduce the project’s geopolitical and operational risk.
Turkey has repeatedly objected to activities connected with the electricity link in maritime areas where it claims sovereign rights and jurisdiction. Greece maintains that Ankara’s permission is neither required nor will be sought for the work. Ekathimerini
Turkey seeks role before surveys begin
The question of how Turkey will respond remains central as preparations continue for the resumption of seabed surveys.
According to the latest report, Ankara does not consider notification alone sufficient and wants to grant permission for activities in areas it regards as falling within its jurisdiction. Ekathimerini
Earlier this month, Athens and Paris agreed on the wording of a notice intended to inform relevant coastal states about the resumption of surveys without seeking Turkey’s permission. The work is expected to involve a French-flagged vessel. Knews
The next sensitive stage includes work east of Kasos and Karpathos, an area where surveys for the project have previously encountered Turkish objections.
In July 2024, seabed surveys involving an Italian-flagged vessel were halted following the presence of Turkish warships in the area. Ekathimerini
Athens and Paris discuss next steps
Greece and France are now considering how the next phase of the Great Sea Interconnector can proceed without triggering another regional confrontation.
France’s involvement in the project has increased significantly after infrastructure investment group Meridiam acquired a 66% stake in GSI. French cable manufacturer Nexans is also involved in the project. Ekathimerini
According to Kathimerini, various proposals have been discussed between Athens and Paris, based on an assessment that at least Turkish tolerance may be necessary for the work to proceed without disruption. Ekathimerini
French Ambassador to Greece Nicolas Kassianides said France is closely monitoring developments and wants to see the GSI implemented. Ekathimerini
Concerns extend beyond the electricity project, with Turkish objections also reported in relation to vessels conducting surveys for data cables in the Aegean.
Greece considers 12-nautical-mile move
At the same time, Athens is considering a separate step with significant geopolitical implications: extending Greek territorial waters to 12 nautical miles south and west of Crete.
According to Kathimerini, such a move could take place before the beginning of seabed surveys east of Kasos and Karpathos. Ekathimerini
Greece argues that it has the right under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles.
Turkey has maintained since 1995 that an extension of Greek territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean would constitute a casus belli. The option currently being considered by Athens concerns waters south and west of Crete rather than an extension across the Aegean. Ekathimerini
The potential extension and the restart of work on the cable could therefore become interconnected elements of Greece’s broader strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean over the coming months.
Cyprus remains central to GSI
The developments are particularly significant for Nicosia, as the Cyprus-Crete section of the Great Sea Interconnector is intended to connect Cyprus to the European electricity grid.
Cyprus Energy Minister Michalis Damianos said earlier this month that Cyprus would not be bypassed by the project, insisting that both the Cyprus-Crete and Cyprus-Israel sections would proceed. Ekathimerini
However, questions surrounding the project’s cost, timetable and geopolitical risks remain unresolved.
The coming months could therefore prove decisive, with the final cable route, the resumption of seabed surveys and any Greek decision on extending territorial waters all potentially affecting the project’s progress.
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