Tensions rise over Great Sea Interconnector research in Eastern Mediterranean

A new diplomatic and security tension has emerged in the Eastern Mediterranean between Greece and Turkey concerning the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, which connects Crete to Israel. The dispute centers on the French research vessel Abeille Marengo, scheduled to depart from Heraklion on November 9, 2026, to conduct survey work. While Greece has issued a five-month Navtex for the mission, Turkey has responded with an anti-Navtex, claiming that parts of the survey area infringe upon its declared continental shelf as registered with the United Nations.

Diplomatic focus has shifted toward Paris, which is facilitating the project. Turkish media outlets, including Hurriyet, report that Ankara expects written notification regarding the vessel’s operations. However, Greek sources indicate that while France did provide written information to Turkey, this communication was strictly limited to notifying Ankara of the project's commencement. Authorities in Athens and Nicosia maintain that all necessary permits for the work within their respective territorial waters and exclusive economic zones were issued solely by Greek and Cypriot state agencies. Athens emphasizes that this formal notification does not constitute a request for permission nor an acknowledgement of any Turkish jurisdiction in the disputed maritime zones. The situation remains sensitive as the research vessel prepares to begin its survey mission initially within Greek territorial waters.