The three-way strategic summit yesterday between Israeli PM Benjamin Netantyahu, Cyprus’ President Nikos Anastasasiadis, and PM Alexis Tsipras confirmed the three countries’ determination to use energy as a vehicle to upgrade their geostrategic role in the broader Mediterranean region.
The three leaders renewed their commitment to the EastMed pipeline, which as of 2022 will transport natural gas from Israel’s Tamar and Leviathan EEZ blocs and Cyprus’ EEZ, via Greece to Italy and other EU countries.
The 1,900 kilometre corridor will end up in Italy and will advance the goal of energy diversification in the EU.
The project is also supported by the US. It is viewed by Greece and Cyprus as a powerful weapon to protect against threats from Turkey, and by Israel as an additional shield against Tehran.
