The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is a strategic priority, and it is important to complete it as soon as possible, the European Commission said on Thursday.
The Commission’s Εnergy Spokesperson Anna – Kaisa Itkonen, when asked about Thursday’s meeting between Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and the energy ministers of Greece and Cyprus, said that energy initiatives such as the GSI were discussed.
Kaisa said that the project is strongly supported by the Commission, describing it as a Project of Common Interest that receives funding through the Connecting Europe Facility. She noted that the project will connect Cyprus with continental Europe, ending the island’s energy isolation and helping to reduce energy prices for citizens.
Kaisa added that the Commission will continue to do everything within its power and competence to support the progress of the GSI and that Commissioner Jorgensen looks forward to continued cooperation with Greece and Cyprus to achieve this goal.
Regarding the project’s timeline, the Commission Spokesperson said that its implementation depends on the stakeholders involved. She noted, however, that this is a project of the utmost importance for the European Commission, as well as for the citizens of Cyprus and Greece.
The Commission’s Energy Spokesperson also stressed that it is a strategic priority and should be implemented as soon as possible.
Asked whether the Commission intends to approach the Turkish side to explain the importance of the GSI for the EU, Kaisa stressed that, at present, there is no information on any possible contacts between Commissioner Jorgensen and his counterparts in Türkiye. She added, however, that the Commission has made its position on the project’s importance publicly clear.
PS EU officials will have to have a word with Turkey
 is a strategic priority, and it is important to complete it as soon as possible, the European Commission){kind=link}
I seem to remember that Israel is also involved in this project (strangely!) as the 3rd connection. Since Israel has taken over Syria’s, Lebanon’s and (their hope and aim) Gaza / Palestine’s gas and oil assets it is not clear why they would need Greece’s energy input too…..but there is no mention of this here, Has this plan changed?