Nicosia: Cyprus Energy Minister George Papanastasiou emphasized the critical role of US interest in ensuring the cessation of Russian gas supplies to Europe while underscoring the significance of alternative natural gas sources from the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the minister made these remarks while discussing the revival of the 3+1 scheme and the recent discussions held in Athens during the Sixth Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), an event organized by the Atlantic Council. The meeting focused on the Eastern Mediterranean’s potential as a natural gas supply corridor to Northern Europe, with Alexandroupolis designated as a key import point.
Papanastasiou outlined the collaborative efforts to halt the flow of Russian gas to Europe, highlighting the agreements made to connect the supply chain from entry to destination. The discussions also included the Eastern Mediterranean deposits, particularly those involving Israel, which supports the creation of a pipeline linking its natural gas network with Cyprus.
He noted that Cyprus is proactively addressing its natural gas deposits’ exploitation and commercialization, aiming to transfer liquefied natural gas via a station in Egypt, specifically in Damietta. The minister emphasized that the US interest in eliminating Russian gas supplies is aligned with efforts to replace it with American LNG and other regional sources, with Cyprus’s deposits potentially playing a complementary role alongside Israel.
Papanastasiou further explained the strategic involvement of the United States, Cyprus, and Israel in establishing a natural gas availability pathway through Alexandroupolis. He underscored the importance of agreements signed for drilling in the Ionian Sea.
The minister highlighted the significance of the 3+1 scheme’s announcement, suggesting that energy projects in the region, particularly those involving Cyprus and Greece, are being promoted. He mentioned the potential for an electrical interconnection between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, supported by the 3+1 initiative and the ministers of the four participating countries.
Discussions regarding the establishment of an energy center to monitor regional projects are ongoing, with the next 3+1 meeting scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, likely in Washington DC.
Papanastasiou noted that the Republic of Cyprus is progressing well, with confirmed natural gas deposits such as Aphrodite and Kronos. The Kronos project is advancing, with commercial agreements in place to transport natural gas to Damietta for liquefaction. Technical preparations are underway to connect Kronos to Zohr within Egypt’s exclusive economic zone.
The minister emphasized the upcoming critical signing between Cyprus as the seller and ENI and TOTAL as buyers. He also referenced the development and production plan signed for Aphrodite in February 2025, with the final investment decision expected by the end of 2026.
Additionally, Papanastasiou mentioned the support from Israel’s Energy Minister for connecting Israel’s natural gas network with Cyprus, allowing bidirectional pipeline operations. This statement, made outside the conference, was later shared with the Jerusalem Post.
He concluded by noting that Cyprus received a letter from a company within Israel’s EEZ expressing interest in constructing a pipeline between specific Israeli deposits and Cyprus.