Diplomatic developments regarding the Great Sea Interconnector project in the Eastern Mediterranean

Tensions have arisen in the Eastern Mediterranean over the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project as the French-flagged research vessel 'Abeille Marengo' prepares to begin seabed surveys. While Greece and Cyprus issued a five-month NAVTEX for the project, Turkey issued a counter-NAVTEX, claiming parts of the survey area lie within its continental shelf. The vessel, scheduled to depart from Heraklion on November 9, has become a focal point of intense diplomatic activity involving France, Greece, and Turkey.

To manage the dispute, France initiated written communication with Ankara regarding the commencement of works. According to Greek government sources, this interaction served strictly as an informational notice and does not constitute a request for permission or recognition of any Turkish jurisdiction. Official permits were issued solely by Athens for the Greek continental shelf and by Nicosia for the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone.

Recent reports indicate that Turkey does not intend to obstruct the vessel, as the notification provided by the French Foreign Ministry is considered sufficient to prevent escalation. Ankara has reportedly signaled a preference for avoiding conflict at sea, drawing parallels to previous research operations in 2024. The situation remains under close observation as authorities wait to see if these diplomatic arrangements will effectively prevent a military or naval confrontation.