Greek foreign minister addresses Aegean sovereignty and GSI cable project

Following an informal European Union Foreign Ministers meeting in Ireland on September 2, 2026, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis issued a firm response to Turkey's recent statements regarding the demilitarization of Greek islands. Gerapetritis emphasized that while Greece remains committed to international law and peaceful dispute resolution, it will not accept any infringement upon its sovereignty or sovereign rights. He stated that Greece expects the EU to stand in solidarity against any aggression.

Regarding the Greece-Cyprus electric interconnection project known as the GSI cable, Gerapetritis clarified that the project does not require authorization from any other country, as it falls under Greek maritime jurisdiction. He explained that Greece will follow standard international procedures, such as issuing NAVTEX for navigation safety, but will not seek permits from third parties, including Turkey or France.

Reflecting on the 2023 Athens Declaration, Gerapetritis noted that while the agreement improved bilateral cooperation, reduced migration flows, and boosted trade and tourism, it has yet to resolve the fundamental disagreement concerning the delimitation of maritime zones. He reaffirmed that Greece maintains the position that there is only one core dispute with Turkey and is focused on finding a pathway toward formal maritime delimitation.