06.09.2025 10:14
The energy line planned to be established between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean, worth 6.5 billion Euros, has come to the forefront due to corruption allegations. The EU prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into bribery and irregularity claims amounting to 165 million Euros in the preliminary tenders. The project frequently encounters deadlocks due to Turkey's continental shelf and the crises experienced in the tenders.
Energy projects initiated to exclude Turkey from the Eastern Mediterranean have come to the forefront due to a corruption scandal involving a €6.5 billion interconnection line aimed at establishing an underwater electricity connection between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
INVESTIGATION INITIATED
The European Union, which contributed €650 million to the project, opened an investigation into allegations of €165 million in corruption and bribery during the preliminary tenders held in the Greek and Cypriot administrations. The project, which started in 2010, aimed to connect the Eastern Mediterranean to the European Union and Israel through a 2,000 km line passing under the sea via Greece and the island of Cyprus.
STUCK ON TURKEY'S OBSTACLE
According to a report in Hürriyet, the section of the project between Crete and Cyprus passes through Turkey's continental shelf off the coast of Antalya. The Turkish navy has repeatedly blocked the entry of research vessels into the area, citing that permission was not obtained.
TENDERS AND CRISES
Cable manufacturer French Nexans had previously issued an ultimatum saying, "Give us an advance or we will withdraw," while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had guaranteed to cover the losses. However, the recent investigation initiated by the EU Public Prosecutor's Office has once again cast uncertainty over the future of the project.