Greece is ramping up diplomatic efforts to restart work on an undersea energy cable linking Greece, Cyprus and Israel, aiming to secure official support from Washington in a move seen as a strong signal to Turkey.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Israel on Monday, a trip viewed as pivotal in efforts to resume the project. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, speaking at a press briefing Monday, indicated new developments could pave the way for the resumption of work.
“I have said many times that the survey and cable laying will be done according to the needs of the project and the company’s schedule. In any case, in accordance with the provisions of international law, the exploration and laying of surface cables is free, not subject to a permit regime,” he said.
In the coming days, a series of diplomatic moves will unfold to restart the project. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis expressed confidence last Friday in meetings with political leaders that the project will proceed as planned.
Despite informal attempts at direct negotiations between Greece and Turkey to resolve disputes over the project, no agreement has been reached. Athens is now seeking support from international players invested in the project, which is considered crucial for regional energy security.
Israel has emerged as a key player in these efforts. Besides its direct interest in the project, which would bolster its role as an energy hub, Israel could serve as an intermediary in securing US support. Such backing could shift the balance regarding Turkey’s opposition to the cable.
Momentum has built following a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Israel in Athens earlier this month. Discussions focused on enhancing regional cooperation and reactivating the “3+1” framework, which includes the US. Gerapetritis also raised the issue with US counterpart, Marco Rubio, during their Washington meeting.
Some sources suggest that Washington’s support could even extend to an American stake in the project.
A key priority on Greece’s energy agenda is maintaining active hydrocarbon exploration, with US oil giant Chevron recently expressing interest in offshore research southwest of the Peloponnese and west of Crete. Another issue is Turkey’s effort to re-enter the F-35 program.
Before heading to Israel, Mitsotakis will visit Paris, for a summit on Ukraine. France’s interest in the energy project is well established, with a French naval “presence” expected in the area during the new phase of the investigations.