Tensions rise over Great Sea Interconnector project in Eastern Mediterranean

Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have escalated as Turkey challenges the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, which aims to link the power grids of Greece and Cyprus. Following the issuance of NAVTEX notices by Greece and Cyprus for seabed surveys to be conducted by the French-flagged vessel Abeille Marengo, Turkey responded with counter-NAVTEX notices. Ankara claims that parts of the survey area fall within its unilaterally declared continental shelf and asserts that no formal permit application was submitted by the involved parties, effectively questioning the authority of Athens and Nicosia to grant survey licenses.

In response to the Turkish stance, Greek diplomatic sources affirmed that Greece remains the sole authority for licensing these surveys under international law, stating that the project will proceed according to original operational plans. The incident has been accompanied by increased aerial activity, with Turkey deploying drones for surveillance over the survey path near Karpathos, leading to multiple interceptions by the Hellenic Air Force. Meanwhile, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has publicly proposed alternative energy projects, including direct electricity and gas supply lines to Northern Cyprus, while dismissing concerns regarding the current maritime dispute as a political rather than a technical issue. Analysts currently view the situation as a high-stakes diplomatic standoff, with security forces on both sides maintaining a state of readiness as the vessel prepares to operate.