The Greek government has reaffirmed its support for Cyprus and emphasized the importance of the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project, amid rising tensions over its viability and cost-sharing.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the project will move forward only if financial and technical concerns are resolved and its sustainability is not in question.
“This is a project that will benefit Cyprus,” Marinakis said during a briefing with journalists. “The money cannot be behind only one side.”
Tensions escalated after Cypriot media reported that Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) filed an objection with Cyprus’s energy regulator over a decision allowing cost recovery of €25 million in 2025. The report claimed ADMIE is seeking €251 million for expenses incurred.
The publication drew a sharp response from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who said, “If the head of ADMIE thinks that the Cypriot government is being blackmailed with letters or paid registrations, he obviously does not know who he is dealing with.”
ADMIE later denied the report’s claims, and a meeting was held at the Maximos Mansion under Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with officials from the energy ministry and ADMIE.
“The Greek government does not blackmail,” Marinakis said. “The best answer is given by the president of Cyprus.”
He added that Greece-Cyprus relations remain strong. “Greece-Cyprus relations were, are and will be strong. They will not be disrupted,” Marinakis said. “We are talking about a specific project that will proceed provided that the technical and financial criteria are met.”
Marinakis also dismissed speculation of a wider rift. “Those who saw panic live in another country,” he said.
Asked whether an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office involves the Greek side, Marinakis said it does not and that nothing has changed.
“Following what the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, stated today, I would like to express, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Greek government, absolute support and identification with the pursuit of the common interests of Greece and Cyprus,” Marinakis said.