US and France Back Israel-Led East Mediterranean Power Link Amid Turkish Opposition
Israel has been advancing a major energy infrastructure project to connect its electricity grid with Cyprus and Greece, extending to Europe, as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional energy security. This initiative, launched in 2022, aims to lay approximately 1,200 kilometers of undersea power cables from Crete to Cyprus and then to Israel. However, Turkey's opposition, based on its differing claims over maritime boundaries and economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean, has delayed the project's progress.
Recently, the project received significant support from the United States and France. The US Secretary of State reiterated Washington's commitment to energy security and regional cooperation, emphasizing the Trump administration's dedication to strengthening key energy partnerships. Additionally, French investment firm Meridiam became the principal shareholder in the project's development company, while the Greek electricity transmission operator ADMIE remains a strategic partner. Agreements with French cable manufacturer Nexans have been signed to accelerate the project's implementation, starting with seabed surveys.
Turkey disputes the international legal interpretation of maritime boundaries, particularly regarding Greek islands and Cyprus. Ankara does not recognize the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and claims that Greek islands are extensions of the Turkish mainland. Moreover, Turkey supports the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a state recognized only by Ankara, and has recently installed a permanent gas pipeline to Northern Cyprus to increase regional influence and long-term energy dependence.
Greece, strongly backing the interconnector project, has adopted a more assertive stance against Turkish provocations, including Turkey's recent declaration of maritime reserves in Greek waters, which Greece condemns as illegal. Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis warned that any infringement on Greek sovereignty would be met with all available means, including military response if necessary. Experts note the ongoing rivalry between Greece and Turkey, especially after the establishment of UNCLOS, with Turkey seeking bilateral solutions while Greece aims to maintain its legal advantages.
The energy interconnector project is seen as a critical step for Cyprus, the only EU member state not connected to the European electricity grid, and for Israel's energy security. Despite the geopolitical tensions, the backing by the US and France signals strong international support for the project’s advancement. The Israeli Energy Ministry has not commented on the recent developments.
Summary: Israel's East Mediterranean electricity interconnector project, connecting Israel, Cyprus, and Greece to Europe, gains crucial US and French support despite Turkish opposition rooted in maritime disputes. Greece has adopted a firmer stance against Turkey's maritime claims, while Turkey continues to assert influence over Northern Cyprus and regional energy resources.
