Greece says Great Sea Interconnector work could resume by end of 2026

Athens, Greece. Work on the Great Sea Interconnector could resume within the next few months and possibly before the end of 2026, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said on Monday. He said Greece would not seek Turkey’s permission to proceed with the project.

Project timetable

Speaking to a radio station, Gerapetritis said the precise schedule for the interconnector would depend on the contractor’s timetable.

He said Greece was ready for “any scenario – from the most modest to the most intense”.

“That is our job. We’re not concerned, but of course we are very attentive to these matters,” he said. “What we are doing, consistently, is to prepare for every scenario.”

Turkey’s position

Commenting on a possible Turkish reaction, Gerapetritis said international law did not require Turkey’s permission for the project.

“International law is clear: it does not require Turkey’s permission. Nor will any permission be sought from Turkey,” he said.

Ankara argues that the planned cable route between Greece and Cyprus crosses maritime zones claimed by Turkey. It maintains that surveys or construction in those areas require prior notification and permission.

Turkey’s position is that when activities are planned in maritime areas over which Ankara considers it has sovereign rights, the flag state of vessels involved in surveys should first communicate with Ankara.

Interconnector

The Great Sea Interconnector is a proposed subsea cable in the eastern Mediterranean linking the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus. The European Union sponsors the project, with Brussels having pledged about €650 million in funding.