Cyprus GSI: Commission Pushes Forward, Nicosia Holds Back on Geopolitical Grounds

European Pressure and Political Dilemma

The European Commission’s sudden intervention in the Great Sea Interconnector – GSI comes at a time when Nicosia emphasizes caution, citing geopolitical and economic concerns. Despite hundreds of millions of euros already allocated by Brussels, the Cypriot government maintains distance, highlighting that the project is not merely technical or financial but deeply political.

Athens – Nicosia Tensions

Greece, increasingly in sync with Brussels, views the interconnector as a strategic project with €657 million in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility and an additional €100 million from the Recovery Fund.Conversely, Nicosia leverages payment issues and economic viability as a negotiation tool. Finance Minister Makis Keravnou stated that two independent studies show the project is not viable under current conditions.

Leadership and Diplomatic Signals

President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, recently emphasized that Nicosia will not move forward without clear evidence of compliance from the implementing agency, ADMIE. At the same time, he reiterated a shared understanding with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding the European significance of the project, while hinting at the challenges of rapid progress.

Geopolitical Challenges

Cyprus faces geopolitical pressure from Turkey, which will not allow developments in the Eastern Mediterranean to proceed without intervention. The project is not merely technical; it is a geopolitical tool for EU energy security, as stressed by European Commission Energy spokesperson Ana Kaiza.

Timelines and European Priorities

The European Commission has convened multiple meetings with RAAEY, RAEK, and ADMIE to ensure progress, while Nicosia continues to evaluate every cost decision carefully, aware of the political and technical complexity requiring a measured approach.

Nicosia’s stance reflects the dilemma of a country that wants to remain active in European energy planning without becoming the first victim of regional tensions. Despite pressure from Brussels and the strategic importance of the interconnector, Cyprus demonstrates a dual-track strategy, balancing economic rationale and geopolitical security.

Source: pagenews.gr