Greece, Israel agree to boost energy stability in Eastern Mediterranean

Greece and Israel have signed a bilateral agreement aimed at advancing regional energy stability and cooperation in innovative energy projects across the Eastern Mediterranean and the European Union. The agreement was signed in Athens by Greek Environment and Energy Minister Thodoros Skylakakis and Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen.

Skylakakis highlighted the deal as a milestone in the “long-term relationship and collaboration between Greece and Israel,” emphasising its potential for future energy collaboration as both nations address the challenges of the climate crisis.

The agreement emphasises the creation of a “green” electricity corridor linking Israel to the European Union via Greece, added the Greek minister. It is of strategic importance for the Eastern Mediterranean region.”

Originally scheduled for signing last month, the agreement was delayed due to an Israeli cabinet meeting addressing the ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Reports suggest that the deal centres on the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electrical interconnection project, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, which has faced delays in the Crete-Cyprus segment. It also covers broader energy collaborations, including renewable energy, energy storage and hydrogen projects.

According to the Greek paper Kathimerini, the agreement as an Israeli initiative.

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