ENGLISH SECTION
04/09/2025 | 16:34
EU: Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) remains of the highest political and strategic importance for the European Commission
BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/ E. Apostolidou) — European Commission Press Officer for Energy Anna Kaisa, on Thursday said that the project Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), remains of the highest political and strategic importance for the European Commission and they are doing everything within their capabilities to ensure that this project is implemented.
During the regular press briefing in Brussels, in response to a question, she explained that it is absolutely critical to end the energy isolation of Cyprus and, furthermore, that once implemented, it will allow the integration of increased amounts of renewable energy into the system, which will ultimately lead to lower energy prices, benefiting businesses, companies, and consumers in the region.
Regarding financing, Kaisa emphasised that the project has passed all the necessary stages required to receive the green light, and for this reason, the Commission is in continuous contact with the stakeholders to ensure its implementation. She noted that it has the status of a Project of Common Interest (PCI) and has received funding over the years through various mechanisms and that before this project becomes eligible for EU funding, it has undergone several strict checks by the Commission and the project authorities, because it must demonstrate its financial viability. The project has already been under implementation for several years, and they would like to see its completion as soon as possible.
She said that EU is in contact with the implementing body, the regulatory authorities, the national authorities, and of course, that they call on all parts to honour their commitments in order to truly end the energy isolation of Cyprus and achieve something very concrete to reduce energy prices in the region.
Finally, regarding the project timeline and potential delays due to the investigation, Kaisa emphasised that it is a Project of Common Interest, which means there is no fixed timetable from the Commission adding that they expect all parties to commit to the fastest possible implementation of the project, because any further delay is detrimental to the stakeholders, and especially to Cyprus, which is the primary beneficiary of this project.
source ANA-MPA
