Turkey has voiced strong objections to Greece’s planned resumption of underwater surveys near the islands of Kasos and Karpathos for the the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project, known as the “Great Sea Interconnector.”
Turkish media in recent days described the move as “provocative,” particularly following a recent NATO meeting between Greek and Turkish foreign ministers.
The Turkish daily Cumhuriyet reported an imminent Greek NAVTEX (maritime advisory) for the area, citing plans for undersea cable work linking Greece, Cyprus and Israel.
“This project begins following the Greek minister’s meeting with Hakan Fidan,” the paper noted.
The Turkish outlet Turkiye quoted diplomatic sources labeling the Greek activities as violations of international law and maritime boundaries, which Ankara insists remain undefined in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
In Athens, however, decisions have been made.
Greek officials maintain the project proceeds within legal bounds and reflects Greece’s sovereign right to conduct infrastructure work in international waters.
Meanwhile, Greek and Cypriot energy regulators jointly approved €72 million in payments to Nexans, the French contractor overseeing the cable work. The payment includes a €36 million installment frozen since February and outstanding ship chartering costs.
Funding will be recovered through consumer charges split between Greece (37%) and Cyprus (63%).
Despite Turkish objections, Athens sees limited room for retreat, citing broader European Union support for the scheme and regional alliances.
Officials believe that current international conditions – including alliances Athens has built within the EU and the region, and Turkey’s vulnerability on multiple fronts – create a climate that allows Greece, if not to resolve the interconnection dispute, at least to clearly communicate its position on the lawful activity of sovereign states in international waters.