The long-delayed Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection appears to be moving closer to a restart, following consultations between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The three leaders have been in contact over the next steps for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), with attention now turning to the resumption of marine surveys needed to finalize the route of the subsea cable between Crete and Cyprus.
The renewed push follows agreements signed on August 5 involving Greece's Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO/ADMIE), Meridiam and Nexans, bringing a much stronger French presence into a project considered strategically important for both Cyprus and the European energy system.
New NAVTEX Expected Once Technical Preparations Are Complete
The next critical step is expected to be the resumption of seabed surveys in the waters between Crete and Cyprus.
According to reports, Athens is preparing to issue a new NAVTEX once Meridiam and Nexans complete the technical and operational preparations required for the survey work.
Before that happens, decisions must be made on which company or consortium will carry out the final seabed surveys, which vessels will be deployed and the timetable for the operation.
The surveys are essential for determining the final route of the cable between Korakia in Crete and Kofinou in Cyprus, as well as for providing a clearer picture of the project's final cost.
French Companies Take a Bigger Role
France's involvement has become increasingly significant following Meridiam's entry into the GSI project.
The French infrastructure investor is expected to hold a controlling stake in the project company, while French cable manufacturer Nexans already holds the contract for the manufacture and installation of the subsea cable.
Reports suggest that a French company or consortium could also be selected to conduct the remaining seabed surveys, potentially giving French companies a major role across several key stages of the project.
Macron is also reported to be following developments closely, underscoring the strategic importance Paris attaches to the project and to its broader presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
A Strategic Project for Cyprus and Europe
The Great Sea Interconnector is designed to link Cyprus to the continental European electricity grid through Greece, ending the island's long-standing energy isolation.
Once operational, the connection would allow electricity to flow in both directions and could make it easier to integrate renewable energy into the regional power system.
For Athens and Nicosia, however, the project goes beyond energy policy. Its route through the Eastern Mediterranean gives it a clear geopolitical dimension, making the resumption of marine surveys one of the most closely watched stages of the project.
From Political Agreement to Work at Sea
The latest consultations between Mitsotakis, Christodoulides and Macron suggest that the focus is now shifting from political discussions to practical implementation.
If the technical preparations are completed as planned, the issuance of the Greek NAVTEX would clear the way for survey vessels to return to the area and resume work.
That would mark an important step toward restarting a project that has faced repeated delays but remains central to plans for connecting Cyprus with Europe's electricity network.
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