US, France back Israel-Cyprus-Greece power grid link amid Turkey's opposition

The ambitious project to link Israel's electricity grid with Cyprus and Greece, and subsequently to mainland Europe, has received significant backing from the United States and France. This initiative aims to bolster energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region often vulnerable to disruptions.

Launched in 2022, the interconnector project has faced considerable delays, primarily due to opposition from Turkey. Turkey disputes maritime boundaries in the region, challenging the established international laws governing economic waters and continental shelves. This geopolitical friction has hindered the actual development and laying of underwater electricity cables.

A US State Department spokesperson affirmed the US commitment to energy security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have also urged support for the interconnector. Recently, French infrastructure investment firm Meridiam became the majority shareholder in the development company, with Greece's electricity transmission company, ADMIE, acting as a strategic partner. Nexans, a French cable manufacturer, has been engaged to accelerate work, starting with ground surveys.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis strongly supports the project, recognizing its importance for Cyprus's energy security. Cyprus is currently the only European Union member state not connected to the broader European electricity grid. The plan involves laying approximately 1,200 kilometers of underwater power cables, stretching from Crete to Cyprus and then to Israel.

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The US supports energy security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, including through the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center, The Trump administration remains committed to strengthening key energy partnerships that enhance global energy security and promote a safer and more prosperous future, with energy security for the US and its partners.