President Nikos Christodoulides' more positive comments on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) have not eased political pressure on the government to clarify its position on the Cyprus-Greece electricity link.
The coming months are expected to bring significant developments for the project. According to information obtained by Politis, a NAVTEX notice for seabed surveys is expected to be issued during the autumn, with the work likely to be carried out by a French vessel and completed within about a week.
Meridiam entry seen as catalyst
The acquisition of a majority stake in the GSI project company by French investment firm Meridiam has accelerated preparations for the next phase of the project, including the eventual installation of the cable being manufactured by Nexans.
Christodoulides described Meridiam's involvement as a turning point for the project.
"For the first time since 2012, when the GSI issue first emerged, we have substantive developments towards implementation," he said, adding that the French group's participation was important from both a financial and geopolitical perspective.
The president also revealed that his diplomatic office had held discussions with the French embassy focused exclusively on the project.
Turkey remains a key consideration
On the issue of Turkey's stance towards the project, the Greek government has sought to lower tensions, with officials indicating they do not currently see a risk of a serious confrontation.
The issue nevertheless remains one of the most closely watched aspects of the interconnector's development.
Parties maintain pressure
Despite welcoming the president's latest remarks, both DISY and DIKO continued to press the government for greater consistency.
DISY said it expects the president's position to become a unified government line and called on Cyprus to take a leading rather than passive role in the project.
The party also criticised what it described as contradictory messages from ministers during a recent parliamentary energy committee meeting.
Former finance minister Haris Georgiades said ongoing uncertainty should end, stressing that support for the project should not become a matter of party-political confrontation.
He questioned what new studies could add, given that economic, technical and environmental assessments had already been completed and used to secure European funding, while acknowledging that updated data may still be useful provided it does not cause further delays.
DIKO backs project
Speaking on Politis Radio, DIKO leader Nicolas Papadopoulos welcomed Christodoulides' comments and expressed confidence that NAVTEX notices would soon be issued to allow survey work to resume.
Papadopoulos argued that the project would provide substantial benefits to Cyprus, estimating that a functioning interconnection could generate at least €185 million annually for the economy.
He noted that Cyprus has committed €125 million to the project, with the remainder expected to be covered through investment and European funding.
According to Papadopoulos, the interconnector would boost competition in the electricity market and enable Cyprus to export renewable energy currently going unused.
AKEL raises questions
AKEL has maintained a more cautious position.
Party leader Stefanos Stefanou has written to Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, arguing that major uncertainties remain regarding the project's overall cost, economic viability and benefits for consumers.
Stefanou said Cyprus should have a complete picture of costs, legal obligations, alternatives and consumer impacts before making any additional commitments.
Industry seeks clarity on costs
The Electricity Market Association (SAI), which represents private electricity producers and suppliers, says Cyprus should not remain energy-isolated but has reiterated concerns about the project's financial viability.
The association argues that infrastructure projects of the GSI's scale must be assessed not only on whether they can be built, but also on whether they can operate sustainably and be repaid without harming competitiveness or household incomes.
It has called for greater clarity on the project's total cost and long-term economic implications.
Concerns over local investment
The association also voiced concern that the interconnector could undermine investments already made in Cyprus' domestic electricity market.
It argued that the project should form part of a broader energy strategy alongside stronger local generation, energy storage, renewable energy development and increased competition.
According to the group, these remain essential conditions for achieving lower electricity prices and preserving Cyprus' energy resilience.
