Greece to proceed with Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnector without Turkish approval

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated on August 31, 2026, that Greece will not seek Turkey's approval for the development of the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnector. Speaking on Parapolitika FM, the minister clarified that the project's timeline depends on the contractor's scheduling, though he expects construction work to resume within the next few months, potentially before the end of 2026.

Gerapetritis emphasized that international law does not require Turkey's permission for the subsea cable project. He maintained that Athens is prepared for all scenarios, ranging from diplomatic to more intense, noting that while the government is not worried, it remains highly attentive to the matter. The Great Sea Interconnector, which aims to link the power grids of Greece and Cyprus, is supported by approximately €650 million in EU funding. The minister also noted that the Athens Declaration has helped maintain a structured dialogue between Greece and Turkey, reducing tensions and major crises, even as disagreements over maritime claims persist.