Greek Foreign Minister Gerapetritis: Turkey is undoubtedly a powerful country in the region

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis drew attention to Turkey's regional influence in his statements regarding the electricity interconnection project planned between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. Gerapetritis argued that disputes between the two countries should be handled within the framework of international law, not through displays of power.

Speaking in a Cosmos FM interview reported by CNN Greece, Gerapetritis stated that Athens is in close contact with France and the European Union to advance the cable line, to which Turkey had previously expressed objections.

The Greek minister said, "Greece will advance this project in the coming period in full cooperation with France." Arguing that the project is not merely a bilateral initiative but is being followed at the European level, Gerapetritis maintained that the necessary permits would be granted.

Stating that the project is a Project of Common Interest for Europe, Gerapetritis claimed that submarine electricity interconnections cannot be blocked under international law. Bringing up Turkey's EU membership goal, the Greek minister said, "It is out of the question for a European project to be blocked, especially by a country that aspires to be a member of the European Union one day."

The same statements also included a notable assessment regarding Turkey. Gerapetritis said, "Turkey is undoubtedly a powerful country in the region." However, he added that this should not mean that issues between the two countries should be resolved through "power projections."

The Greek Foreign Minister also stated that they are in favor of keeping communication channels with Ankara open. Acknowledging that the fundamental dispute over the delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone continues, Gerapetritis expressed that major crises on the ground have been prevented over the last three years.

NEW OPTIONS ON THE AGENDA FOR THE ROUTE

According to information in the Greek press, Athens and Paris are also evaluating the possibility of changing the route of the Great Sea Interconnector project. As reported by Kathimerini, one of the options is to reorganize the route around the island of Kastellorizo, also known as Meis, so that the line does not overlap with the marine park declared by Turkey in August 2026.

The report stated that the weight of French companies in the project has increased, with Meridiam acquiring a 66 percent stake in the project in August and the cable to be laid by Nexans. A French-flagged vessel is planned to be used for seabed surveys.

According to Kathimerini, Athens and Paris are focusing on the option of informing Ankara rather than asking for permission from Turkey regarding research activities. However, it was noted that approximately 40 percent of the seabed work has not yet been completed, and it remains unclear how the process will proceed, especially in sensitive areas around Karpathos and Kasos.

While it is suggested that Athens is also evaluating the option of extending its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the south and west of Crete before resuming research, no clear calendar has been announced for the new work.