The next steps for the Greece–Cyprus–Israel electricity link, the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), have been agreed on during a meeting in Athens between Cyprus Energy Minister George Papanastasiou and his Greek counterpart, Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou.
Speaking to CNA on 9 October following a statement from the Greek Energy Ministry, Papanastasiou said the meeting was “very constructive and held in an excellent atmosphere,” adding that both sides agreed on the next phase of work “in the direction set by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.”
According to the Cypriot Minister, the two sides decided that all outstanding regulatory issues must be resolved, some of which may stem from the project’s transition from the EuroAsia Interconnector to the Great Sea Interconnector.
“As we are not fully aware of all the pending matters, it was deemed appropriate to arrange a meeting as soon as possible—possibly next week—between the two regulators and the project developer,” he said, adding that an independent observer may also participate “to help ensure a productive outcome.”
Papanastasiou noted that EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has asked to take part in a videoconference on the project, which was initially scheduled for Thursday but postponed to next week.
“I believe the Commissioner will want to understand precisely what issues are causing the current delays, which the European Commission is certainly following closely,” he said.
The Minister underlined that the Athens meeting “took place in a very positive climate and confirms the positions expressed by the Greek Prime Minister and the President of Cyprus. It follows the direction they have set, and we are simply moving ahead with its implementation.”
Asked whether the project’s financial aspects were discussed, Papanastasiou said these will be addressed once the regulatory issues are resolved. “The matter of the €25 million is part of that process,” he added, stressing that “it’s time to start working rather than making statements.”
In its statement, the Greek Energy Ministry described the meeting as constructive and said it was attended by Deputy Energy Minister Nikos Tsafos and Cyprus Ambassador to Greece Stavros Avgoustidis. It confirmed that both sides agreed on the next steps for the GSI “in line with the direction set by Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Christodoulides.”
(Source: CNA)
