Anti-corruption authority declines new investigation into Vasilikos project

On November 10, 2026, the Independent Authority Against Corruption announced it would not initiate a new investigation into claims made by former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. The decision follows recent statements by Papanastasiou during an appearance on the 'Tsouroullis Uncensored' podcast, where he alleged interference by economic interests and political superiors, as well as deliberate poor decision-making regarding the natural gas terminal project at Vasilikos.

The Authority clarified that it cannot launch a parallel inquiry because the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is already conducting a criminal investigation into the same matters. The Authority confirmed that it had consulted with the EPPO, which affirmed that the ongoing criminal probe encompasses all the allegations raised by the former minister. Public pressure for an investigation had intensified after the podcast aired, involving various political parties and stakeholders.

This is not the first time such concerns have been raised regarding the project. On September 29, 2025, AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou formally requested an investigation into the matter. At that time, the Authority also coordinated with the EPPO and was informed that a criminal investigation was already underway. The Authority maintains that its legislative framework prohibits conducting a concurrent investigation while the EPPO's criminal process remains active.