Debate over the Great Sea Interconnector project and Turkish territorial claims in the Aegean

Recent reports indicate that the French side has informed Turkish authorities regarding research activities for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) cable, which aims to connect the electrical grids of Greece and Cyprus. The project, intended to pass through the area south of Kasos, has become a focal point of geopolitical tension. Media reports suggest that this move is being interpreted by some as a concession to Turkish influence, while analysts argue that such notification is not legally required under international maritime law for an electrical cable.

Controversy persists regarding the legal status of the seabed in the region. While Ankara asserts unilateral claims based on the disputed 2019 Turkey-Libya memorandum, experts maintain that the area does not constitute a defined Turkish continental shelf. Critics of the Greek government argue that recent diplomatic approaches, often described as a policy of 'calm waters' promoted by Foreign Minister Gerapetritis, have led to unnecessary retreats regarding sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Despite the ongoing disputes and criticisms of government strategy, the project serves as a test case for navigating Turkish maritime assertions in the region.