The European Union is troubled by Ankara’s behaviour and threats against the Greece-Cyprus interconnection project, President Nikos Christodoulides revealed following his meeting with EU Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs Dubravka Šuica during her visit to Cyprus.
This reaction from the Union is considered expected. Brussels cannot simply observe and remain silent. However, a stronger, more pronounced and practical response from the European Union would be anticipated, as Turkish threats and intimidation are directed against two of its member states.
This project is also important for the EU, a fact acknowledged by Brussels and emphasised publicly several times. Indeed, the European Union is funding this project and therefore considers it its own initiative.
Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, in an interview with Sunday’s “Phileleftheros,” stressed that Cyprus’s electrical interconnection (Great Sea Interconnector) is very important for the European Commission, as it will enable Cyprus’s connection to the European electricity network. The Commissioner reminded that Cyprus is the last member state not connected to the European grid.
She also stated it would be crucial for decarbonising the island’s energy system and promoting renewable energy sources.
The project has received a grant of €657 million for constructing part of the Cyprus-Crete interconnection, which cannot be subjected to negotiation or management discussions.
“It will be a key infrastructure that will end Cyprus’s energy isolation and naturally connect all EU countries to the European electricity network through mainland Greece,” the Commissioner said, indicating that “by strengthening electrical interconnections, it will also contribute to the integration of renewable energy sources in the Mediterranean region”.
It is evident that the implementation of a project, regardless of how one evaluates it, depends solely on those involved. No other third country or organisation should interfere. This is why the Turkish stance and Turkish impositions cannot be tolerated.
Simultaneously, a more substantial reaction from the EU should be expected, with practical messages from Brussels to Ankara.
