Brussels: The European Commission, through a spokesperson’s response to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), has emphasized the necessity for all parties to rapidly implement the Cyprus-Greece Great Sea Interconnector (GSI). Recent developments and statements from Nicosia and Athens prompted this call, with the Commission stating that any additional delay harms all involved parties.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Commission noted, “we expect all Parties to commit to an as rapid implementation of the project as possible. Ultimately, any further delay is to the detriment of the parties involved.”
The Commission reiterated the project’s status as a “priority of the highest strategic importance for the EU” and affirmed their ongoing efforts to ensure its implementation. The spokesperson emphasized that the project is crucial for ending Cyprus’s energy isolation and that enhancing electricity interconnections will help reduce energy prices by integrating more renewable energy sources into the system.
The Commiss
ion assured that it remains “in constant contact with the promoter, regulators, and national authorities and offers our assistance,” but emphasized that the responsibility lies with all actors to uphold their commitments.
The Commission also referred to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent State of the Union address regarding the “Energy Highways” initiative. The electrical interconnection of Cyprus with continental Europe is a pivotal element of the EU’s strategy to “enhance interconnectivity in the EU and end the island’s electricity isolation.” The spokesperson concluded by highlighting the significance of improved interconnectivity within the EU.