The Crete-Cyprus electricity interconnection is an important project for the EU and has received significant EU funding
3.2.2025
Question for written answer E-000454/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)
The Crete-Cyprus electricity interconnection is a significant priority project for the European Union under Regulation (EU) 2022/869 concerning trans-European energy infrastructure and is included in the Commission's list adopted in November 2023, having received a significant Community subsidy (EUR 657 million).
The coordinates for laying the electrical cable between Cyprus and Crete were set seven nautical miles north of Crete, with NAVTEX issued by the Heraklion Hydrographic Service. A Turkish warship was deployed to the area and sent a signal to the research vessels that “they are outside jurisdiction and must request permission from Türkiye in order to carry out the work”. Laying an electrical cable between Cyprus and Crete is an activity that constitutes “freedom of the seas” according to the Law of the Sea.
Türkiye's unacceptable tactics are deeply troubling. Interrupting activities without grounds pursuant to the Law of the Sea creates a negative precedent and we must be conscious of the dangers posed when the Law of the Sea is actively challenged.
In view of the above:
- 1.How does the Commission view Türkiye's action, which explicitly contravenes the Law of the Sea?
- 2.What actions does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Türkiye signs, ratifies and respects the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea?
Submitted: 3.2.2025