Brussels: The European Commission on Tuesday highlighted the strategic significance of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, a common European interest initiative aimed at linking the electricity networks of Greece and Cyprus through an undersea cable. The project has been deemed crucial for enhancing energy policy and infrastructure within the region.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Commission’s energy spokesperson, Anna-Kaisa, addressed concerns following warnings from the Turkish government about potential obstructions to the GSI project. Anna-Kaisa emphasized the project’s critical role and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to advancing it, noting that EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen had engaged in discussions with Turkish counterparts and project stakeholders to ensure its progress.
Anna-Kaisa acknowledged the presence of ‘delays’ and ‘problems’ that have hindered the project’s implementation, expressing the Commission’s desire for its realization ‘as soon as possible.’ The project has received substantial financial backing, with the EU approving a grant of £657 million through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and an additional £100 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).