Greek Foreign Minister briefs party leaders on the Great Sea Interconnector project

On November 14, 2026, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis conducted a series of meetings with political party leaders to provide updates on the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection project, known as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). The briefing aimed to establish a unified national front regarding the strategic infrastructure venture, which has recently faced regional diplomatic tensions. Minister Gerapetritis clarified that the French research vessel, Abeille Marengo, continues its operations in international waters based exclusively on Greek permits and NAVTEX, rather than any Turkish authorization.

During the discussions, the Minister addressed the nature of a recent French diplomatic note sent to Turkey and Egypt. He emphasized that the document was strictly for informational purposes and did not constitute a request for permission to proceed with the research. This clarification directly contradicted earlier speculation regarding the project's dependency on Ankara's consent. Gerapetritis stated that Greece remains committed to the project's European significance and will not tolerate any external interference with the cable's installation.

The project, which aims to reduce regional dependence on electricity and act as a gateway for future energy transfers between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, is described by the government as a crucial strategic priority. Investigations and cable-laying preparations remain ongoing in the Mediterranean as the Greek government maintains a high level of operational readiness.