The resumption of exploratory work that will eventually lead to the laying of the power cable that will link the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus – and, eventually, Israel – could potentially reignite tensions with Turkey.
Operations will involve the deployment of research ships east and south of the Greek island of Kasos, in international waters in the southeastern Aegean.
Turkey maintains the operations intrude into its maritime zone and invokes the memorandum signed with the government of Libya delimiting the two countries’ zones.
The problem with the memorandum is that Libya and Turkey do not border each other; Egypt and Greece get in the way. Which is why its legality has been challenged by, among others, the EU, the United States, the Arab League and the rival Libyan government of Benghazi, where a court quashed the deal in 2021.
This has not stopped Turkey from asserting its rights, by claiming that islands such as Crete, Kasos and others that geographically stand between Libya and Turkey cannot have a continental shelf, or maritime zone, of their own.
During the previous phase of explorations near Kasos, in July 2024, Turkish ships deployed in the Aegean.
They also interfered with the research ship’s radio frequencies as it explored the waters north of Crete.
Delays in research operations have meant additional costs for the French company, Nexans, doing the research.
Greece has informed France, and other allies, of its plans to give the go-ahead to exploration and issue a navigation warning (Navtex) about the research activities.
Kathimerini understands that, during their latest meeting, the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, George Gerapetritis and Hakan Fidan, did not discuss the issue specifically, but talked in general terms about energy security and the need to diversify sources.
While it cannot be certain of Turkey’s reaction, Greece believes that, as it faces domestic troubles ove the arrest of opposition leader and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and higher-than-usual tension with Israel, the Turkish government will not want to ratchet up tensions on another front and upset the relative calm with Greece that has prevailed since early 2023.