A new era in the energy field in Southeastern Mediterranean

With the signing of the agreement between Athens and Nicosia for the electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Crete, new data are created in the energy field. What matters now, of course, is that the agreement is implemented and that the forecasts, in relation to the benefits that countries and citizens will have, are confirmed.

It is clear that until we reached the signatures it was not an easy task at all and there are still steps to be taken and several issues to be clarified. That is why there has been a delay and time has been spent discussing many parameters in detail.

Throughout this period, both the benefits and any problems that may arise have been highlighted, not only at the beginning of the execution of the project but also afterwards. This is a project of geopolitical importance, but also of risk. After all, anything that affects third parties or they think it affects them, sometimes involves risks and causes complications.

Turkey, which is the only one likely to react, obviously understands what the implementation of the electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Crete and through it with the European Union means. The implementation of the project upgrades the strategic importance of Cyprus, a development that Turkey, which seems to be accelerating its own project, for electrical interconnection with the occupied areas, obviously does not want.

The involvement of the European Union, the participation of investors such as the USA, the United Arab Emirates (this was discussed by President during his visit there but also in New York), France, Qatar, can act as a deterrent. In relation to the Americans, it is obvious that their involvement is also linked to Israel and its continued support (hence the positive attitudes of American officials on the project).

All these factors, having different agendas and interests, may lead the occupying Turkey to another approach. Easy; No. Erdogan is pursuing a revisionist policy, seeking a change of borders, increasing Turkey’s influence, and this is not an occasional pursuit. In his frame, always, are Cyprus and Greece.

The most important thing in the implementation of such a project is not only the possible reaction of Turkey. This should concern itself, but it should not be the central issue, because this would make those involved in Turkish aspirations hostage.

This is undoubtedly an important project that, if and when it goes ahead, will break the energy isolation of Cyprus, will upgrade its position in the region (as well as Greece’s one) while as far as society is concerned, the price of electricity will be reduced.

How important it is geostrategically for the wider region is also shown by the fact that as soon as it became clear that the negotiations for the Cyprus-Crete electricity interconnection project were progressing, the forgotten project for the transmission of electricity from Turkey to the Occupied Territories came back to the fore.

It is recalled that there is a precedent for the transfer of water through underwater pipelines, while the project for the electrical interconnection was announced.

It is true that, in the Occupied Territories they have a problem with electricity and, as is well known, they are often forced to buy energy from the Republic of Cyprus. However, although there is a need and urgency and the ambitious project of transporting water has been prepared and implemented, that of electricity is delayed. It was forgotten due to the cost and occasionally reappears in the public sphere.

It is obvious that both the project for the transport of water through an underwater pipeline and the planned project for electricity are moves that strengthen and consolidate the dependence of the Occupied Territories on Turkey. Both projects create an existential relationship of the Occupied Territories by Turkey.

The fact that discussions on electricity interconnection have dragged on is indicative of how important the project is. In view of the fact that this is a huge task, it is impossible to clarify everything that was described in vagueness.

In projects of such importance and scope, the details and footnotes, the vague points that may exist, matter. For this reason, therefore, the discussions lasted in time and will be continued.

The electrical interface is one piece of the puzzle. In the big picture there are also the introduction of natural gas and the expansion of the use of renewables. They are pillars of a comprehensive energy policy. One pillar does not negate the other. Everything must have a basic orientation: To serve the country and the citizens

Maria Giannakaki

Maria Giannakaki has studied Classic Literature, European and International Relations at the University of Athens and she has done postgraduate studied in History of Art, Human Rights and Cultural Management in France, Modern and Contemporary History in Panteion University and Religion, Geopolitics and International Security in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is graduated from the National School of Public Administration in the sector of Public Diplomacy. She has been Press and Culture Attachée at the Permanent Representation of Greece at the Council of Europe, Secretary of State for Human Rights, Head of the National Council Against Racism and Intolerance. In 2003, she was elected as general Rapporteur against Racism and Intolerance of the Council of Europe. She is a Lecturer on Human Rights, Peacebuilding, and International Cooperation in various Institutions in Greece and Cyprus and adviser in various International Organizations. She has published two books on Cyprus issues and hundreds of articles on Political Communication, Human Rights, and Foreign Policy. Since 2014 she is the President of the Initiative “Solidary and Peace for Cyprus”.