Leaders from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel recently convened in Jerusalem for a pivotal trilateral summit, a clear indication of their intensifying regional cooperation. Discussions focused on critical sectors such as energy, defence, and economic development, reflecting a shared dedication to regional stability. The meeting, attended by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscored a unified approach to emerging geopolitical challenges. Notably, Cyprus pledged to utilize its upcoming European Union Council Presidency to champion improved Israel-EU relations, signalling a concerted effort to enhance Israel's standing within the bloc.
The summit's agenda was comprehensive, with leaders prioritising the finalisation of several ambitious projects. Significant attention was given to natural gas exploration and the ambitious Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, an underwater electricity cable intended to link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. Participants reached a tentative agreement on natural gas field management by January 2026, a crucial step towards unlocking the region's substantial energy potential. Furthermore, the economic feasibility of the GSI was re-evaluated, with a proposal to initiate construction from the Cyprus-Israel segment, considered more manageable in scope and cost, gaining considerable momentum. The potential integration of the GSI with the broader India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was also explored, hinting at a more interconnected Eurasian economic landscape.
Beyond energy infrastructure, defence and security constituted a substantial pillar of the discussions. Israel expressed significant interest in Cyprus' potential acquisition of military hardware. Discussions also encompassed collaborative ventures between Israeli and Cypriot enterprises to secure funding from EU programmes, with a particular focus on the EU Safe initiative. The prospect of integrating Lebanon into the IMEC network was raised, underscoring a broader vision for regional connectivity. Israel articulated concerns regarding regional security, particularly in relation to Iran and the activities of groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, with implicit reference to Turkey's influence in certain areas. Cyprus is actively assessing military equipment for its National Guard and is considering joint military exercises with Israel, further deepening defence ties. Israel's participation in Cyprus' nascent EU centre for fire safety was also mooted, alongside plans for a maritime cybersecurity centre and enhanced cooperation concerning the Gaza Strip.
Cyprus is strategically positioning itself as a vital European logistics and security hub, a role that will be amplified during its EU Council Presidency. The summit produced five concrete commitments with stipulated implementation timelines extending up to 2026. President Christodoulides presented a multifaceted approach to the Gaza crisis, encompassing humanitarian aid, security considerations, and post-conflict reconstruction, citing the Amalthea Humanitarian Corridor as a successful operational model. The revival and enhancement of the "3+1" cooperation framework, which includes the United States, was also a significant talking point, particularly in anticipation of Prime Minister Netanyahu's forthcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump. Discussions with the US Congress focused on bolstering parliamentary cooperation in counterterrorism and maritime security. The overarching trilateral mechanism now encompasses a wide array of areas, from energy and economics to defence, cybersecurity, and crisis management, injecting significant political impetus into critical interconnection projects.
However, this burgeoning cooperation has not gone unnoticed by regional rivals. Turkish media outlets have reacted with strong condemnation, labelling the summit an "anti-Turkish alliance" and an "alliance of evil." Reports in Turkish newspapers have characterised the collaboration as a military pact, alleging the deployment of Israeli anti-aircraft systems in Cyprus and potential similar deployments in Greece. These reports have also highlighted substantial Greek defence procurement from Israel, including missile systems and the acquisition of Hellenic Vehicle Industries, as well as the modernisation of military training facilities by Elbit. While the Cypriot Ministry of Defence has sought to downplay characterisations of a Turkish-focused military alliance, the heightened rhetoric underscores the delicate geopolitical balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus' recent agreement on delimiting its exclusive economic zone with Lebanon on November 26, a move that bolsters regional energy security, further solidifies its proactive stance. The summit's outcomes demonstrate a clear strategic alignment, aiming to foster a more secure and interconnected Eastern Mediterranean, while simultaneously navigating a complex and often contentious regional landscape.