Mitsotakis Praises French Investment in Energy Interconnector
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed French firm Meridiam's majority stake in the Great Sea Interconnector project linking Cyprus to Greece's grid while rejecting Turkish objections to Greece's renewable energy framework.
In a statement released Sunday on social media, Mitsotakis welcomed the entry of Meridiam as majority shareholder in the GSI company, according to Cyprus Mail. French cable manufacturer Nexans will handle the complex manufacturing and installation of the undersea cable, which the Greek leader characterized as a powerful endorsement of Greece’s energy infrastructure development.
The prime minister emphasized that the project will break Cyprus’ longstanding energy isolation by linking the island nation to the Greek electrical grid. He further noted the interconnector’s strategic importance in reinforcing Greece’s role as a central energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region and facilitating increased reliance on renewable clean energy sources.
Greece Rejects Turkish Claims Over Aegean Renewable Energy Framework
Mitsotakis also addressed recent tensions with Turkey regarding Greece’s newly adopted Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources. Ankara has objected to the framework, reviving what the Greek premier termed baseless claims about so-called grey zones in the Aegean.
The Greek leader issued a firm response, stating that Greece operates within international law, exercises its sovereign rights, and will not permit threats or illegitimate assertions to dictate national policy decisions.
The renewable energy framework establishes clear geographic parameters for renewable infrastructure investment, designating specific zones for industrial development while protecting natural environments through exclusion areas. The policy substantially enlarges restricted zones for wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, introduces fresh limitations for island and mountainous regions, and integrates renewable permitting processes with tourism and environmental planning priorities.
Ankara Rejects Legal Validity of Greek Framework
Turkey’s foreign ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli dismissed the framework’s legitimacy, asserting it would carry no legal weight for Turkey. Turkish officials connected their position to what they describe as unresolved Aegean disputes and territorial formations whose sovereignty they claim has not been legally transferred to Greece under international agreements.
Mitsotakis countered that while Greece consistently pursues dialogue and neighborly cooperation with Turkey, such engagement does not entail compromise on core national interests. He stressed that Greece will continue pursuing policies deemed right and necessary for the country’s welfare.
Meridiam Purchase Strengthens Interconnector Prospects
Meridiam secured its majority position in the GSI on Wednesday, August 5, purchasing the controlling stake previously held by Greece’s independent transmission system operator Admie.
Former Cypriot energy minister George Papanastasiou assessed the development positively, telling reporters the involvement of a financially robust fund in a project seeking investment backing represents excellent news. He suggested the French firm’s participation may strengthen efforts by both the Greek and Cypriot governments to obtain financing from the European Investment Bank.
With information from Cyprus Mail
