Cypriot MEPs urge Mediterranean energy cooperation in EU pact debate

Strasbourg, France. Cypriot MEPs emphasised the need to strengthen Mediterranean energy development during Tuesday evening’s plenary debate on the European Parliament’s latest motion concerning the EU’s Mediterranean pact. The resolution, scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, outlines parliament’s stance on the pact and EU relations with the region.

Energy projects and international law

Diko MEP Costas Mavrides argued that developing the energy sector could enable the EU to guide the whole Mediterranean towards greater stability and prosperity.

He said international law, particularly UN conventions governing maritime law, must provide the region’s shared framework. He pointed to existing institutions and infrastructure, citing the EastMed gas forum, the Great Sea Interconnector, designated a European project of common interest, and the EastMed gas pipeline.

Mavrides said the Republic of Cyprus had maintained a leading role in these efforts, while describing Turkey’s neo-Ottoman regime as a transgressor pursuing expansionism.

Elam MEP Geadis Geadi said a new pact should provide a substantive basis for cooperation on secure energy supplies, electricity links, tackling illegal migration and human smuggling, and countering terrorism and hybrid threats. He argued that international law, not unilateral claims or provocative actions, must underpin Mediterranean cooperation.

Amendment and criticism of Kallas

Geadi thanked MEPs across political groupings for backing an amendment that, he said, highlighted the significance of European projects of common interest, including the Great Sea Interconnector and the EastMed pipeline. According to Geadi, the amendment also denounced Turkish provocations obstructing those projects.

Both MEPs directed criticism at European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who attended the proceedings.

Mavrides sarcastically questioned whether Kallas was rewarding the Turkish regime he had characterised as transgressive and expansionist, or giving it gifts.

Geadi said Turkish blackmail targeting European interests must not be permitted to hold the Mediterranean hostage. He told Kallas that she bore responsibility for turning statements into action.