Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus plan undersea electricity interconnections

Cyprus and Israel have agreed to rapidly pursue an undersea electricity cable connecting their grids, aiming to end their energy isolation and enhance regional energy security. The initiative, discussed in meetings between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is seen as a strategic move that leverages both countries’ positions as gateways between Europe and the Middle East. Israel is particularly interested in accessing Cypriot energy reserves, including both renewable and conventional sources, to bolster its own energy reliability. This bilateral project is now prioritized by Israel, even as Cyprus emphasizes its desire for broader interconnection with Greece and the European network as part of larger regional initiatives. The electricity link is also considered a key component of the US-backed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), which aims to strengthen trade, energy, and digital connectivity between Asia and Europe. Discussions with Greece regarding integration into the wider European grid are ongoing.