Greece-Cyprus-Israel Summit Prioritizes Energy Collaboration and Regional Issues

The foreign ministers of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus will convene in Athens on March 13 to discuss regional developments, energy cooperation, and preparations for a larger trilateral summit in Jerusalem in early April. The meeting underscores the growing partnership among the three nations as they navigate geopolitical shifts in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A primary focus of the discussions will be energy security and infrastructure. Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have been working closely to advance major energy projects while countering external pressures, particularly from Turkey. With Ankara increasing its regional influence, particularly in Syria and the Mediterranean, Israel and Cyprus are reinforcing their strategic alignment.

Turkey’s repeated threats concerning Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its involvement in Syria have raised concerns among all three nations. A senior Cypriot government official noted that despite Turkey’s ambitions, its expanding role has not been universally welcomed in the region. The Cypriot government remains firm in its rejection of any Turkish claims over its EEZ, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and violate national sovereignty.

Israel, too, is carefully managing its relationship with Turkey. A senior Israeli diplomat stated that while Jerusalem seeks a balanced approach, it remains wary of Turkish influence in Syria. Israel has supported Russian bases in Syria as a counterweight to Turkish expansion and continues to send clear messages to Ankara about its regional limits.

The stalled EastMed pipeline project, which initially aimed to transport Israeli gas to Europe via Cyprus and Greece, is expected to be revisited at the summit. While the pipeline remains frozen, alternatives such as transporting gas via liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships from Cyprus to Greece have been explored. However, some Israeli officials acknowledge that a direct route through Turkey would be more cost-effective though politically unfeasible under current circumstances.

Meanwhile, discussions will also cover the ambitious GSI (Greece-Cyprus-Israel) electricity interconnection, which would link the three countries' power grids via the world’s longest underwater cable. Israel and Cyprus are still negotiating cost-sharing terms, with Israel advocating for an equal split, while Cyprus has suggested Israel should bear a larger share. The European Union’s potential financial participation remains a crucial factor in moving the project forward.

For Greece, the trilateral alliance is a key diplomatic pillar, but it continues to manage its relations with Turkey cautiously. While Athens remains committed to its partnerships with Israel and Cyprus, it aims to prevent escalating tensions with Ankara in the Aegean.

As regional energy and security dynamics evolve, the trilateral cooperation between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus remains critical. Their upcoming meetings could shape the future of energy infrastructure and strategic stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on Israel’s role in shaping the future of energy and security.