Great sea interconnector project gains momentum following high-level trilateral talks

Following the formal signing of agreements on August 5, 2026, at the Maximos Mansion, the leaders of Cyprus, Greece, and France—Nikos Christodoulides, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Emmanuel Macron—have held high-level discussions to expedite the implementation of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). The project, which involves a 1.4 billion euro cable contract with the French firm Nexans, is entering a critical phase of seabed mapping to finalize the route between Kofinou and Korakia.

Energy Minister Michalis Damianos and government officials confirmed that a new Navtex will be issued in the coming weeks to facilitate the resumption of seabed surveys. Unlike previous attempts involving an Italian vessel that faced interference from Turkey, this phase will utilize a French research ship. Authorities have indicated that the project, now backed by the French asset management firm Meridiam as a majority shareholder, may receive naval protection if necessary. The European Union has also expressed full solidarity with the project, viewing it as a vital step in ending Cyprus's energy isolation.

While approximately 60 percent of the seabed surveys have been completed, the final 40 percent remain to be conducted. Officials emphasize that the project is closer to realization than ever before, with the recent corporate restructuring and trilateral diplomatic alignment serving as a security shield against potential geopolitical opposition.