Athens and Paris prepare for resumption of Great Sea Interconnector surveys

Athens and Paris are in the advanced stages of coordinating the resumption of seabed surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, which is designed to link the electricity grids of Greece and Cyprus. Under the new arrangement, a French-flagged vessel will conduct surveys, including in maritime areas that remain undelimited. Greece and France have agreed on a communiqué to inform coastal states, including Turkey, about the upcoming operations, although officials in Athens have stated that no permission will be requested from Ankara for these activities. The project entered a new phase following the French investment firm Meridiam's acquisition of a 66% majority stake in August, while the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) retains technical leadership.

Preparations are currently underway to issue a NAVTEX in October, marking the return of research vessels to the field. Upon the issuance of the notice, the Republic of Cyprus is set to contribute its first 25 million euros toward the project. This move follows historical tensions in the region, such as those witnessed near Kasos in July 2024. While the Greek government maintains its right to proceed based on its interpretation of maritime jurisdiction, Turkish diplomatic sources and commentators have warned of the sensitivities regarding sovereign rights, urging coordination to avoid potential escalations.