The electricity interconnection project between Greece and Cyprus (Great Sea Interconnector – GSI) is “a strategic priority for us, and it is important that it sees the light of day as soon as possible,” the European Commission stated today.

Regarding yesterday’s meeting between Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen and the energy ministers of Greece and Cyprus, the Commission’s spokesperson for energy issues, Anna-Kaisa, said that energy initiatives such as the GSI were discussed.

“It is a project we strongly support, a project of common interest that receives funding through the Connecting Europe Facility,” the spokesperson said, noting that the project connects Cyprus with mainland Europe to end the island’s energy isolation and, in particular, “to reduce energy prices for citizens.”

“We will continue to do everything within our power and competence to help advance this GSI project, and to achieve this, the Commissioner looks forward to continued cooperation with Greece and Cyprus,” Anna-Kaisa added.

As for the project’s timeline, the Commission’s spokesperson declined to provide details, saying that its implementation depends on the parties involved. However, she emphasized that “we reaffirm that this is a project of utmost importance for the European Commission as well as for the citizens of Cyprus and Greece. It is our strategic priority, and it is important that this project sees the light of day as soon as possible.”

Asked whether the Commission intends to approach the Turkish side to explain the importance of the GSI project for the EU, the spokesperson said that at the moment there is no information regarding possible contacts between Commissioner Jørgensen and his Turkish counterparts, but added that the Commission has publicly stated its position on the importance of this project. “Obviously, I do not rule out contacts, but it is not something I can confirm at this time,” she said.