Greece says Cyprus electricity link will proceed without Türkiye's approval

Greece has reaffirmed its intention to proceed with a planned electricity interconnection between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, with government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis saying that Athens does not intend to seek permission from Türkiye to implement the project.

The Greece-Cyprus electricity connection has once again become a major issue amid continuing disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean over energy, maritime jurisdiction and regional security.

“The project will proceed as planned”
Speaking to Skai TV, Marinakis said the electricity interconnection would move forward under a revised plan developed following previous difficulties surrounding the project.

The Greek government is coordinating with Cyprus and France on the implementation of the interconnection, with the revised planning intended to address issues that had affected the project previously.

Marinakis emphasized that Türkiye's approval would not be sought for the project to proceed.

His remarks represent a clear political message from Athens that Greece intends to maintain its commitment to the electricity link despite Ankara's objections concerning activities in disputed maritime areas.

Electricity cable adds to Eastern Mediterranean tensions
The electricity interconnection has resurfaced at a time of continuing tensions between Greece and Türkiye over maritime zones, energy activities and competing claims in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

Athens and Ankara have continued to exchange statements on maritime jurisdiction and energy-related activities, while issues including marine parks have also contributed to broader disagreements between the two countries.

The planned electricity cable has therefore become part of a wider geopolitical debate over infrastructure and energy connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Marinakis' latest statement is being viewed in Greece as a strong indication that the government does not intend to abandon the project and will seek to implement it under the revised framework agreed with its partners.

The project is expected to remain closely watched as Greece, Cyprus, Türkiye and other regional actors continue to navigate overlapping energy, maritime and security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.