Athens and Paris prepare for resumption of Great Sea Interconnector surveys

Athens and Paris have reached an agreement on a communiqué to notify coastal states, including Turkey, regarding the upcoming resumption of seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) electricity link. The project has entered a new phase following the acquisition of a 66% majority stake by the French investment firm Meridiam in August. Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO/ADMIE) will continue to oversee technical leadership and operations.

Investigations are expected to commence in October, involving a French-flagged vessel operating in maritime zones, some of which remain undelimited. Greece has clarified that it will not seek permission from Turkey, and the required NAVTEX will be issued by the relevant Greek authority. The issuance of the NAVTEX will trigger three key developments: the resumption of physical surveys, the formal start of financial contributions from the Republic of Cyprus—beginning with an initial payment of 25 million euros—and a test of Turkey’s position regarding its maritime claims in the region.

This development follows a recent meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Emmanuel Macron. The move is viewed as a decisive step in advancing the interconnection project, with officials emphasizing that the notification serves as an information measure rather than a request for approval.