Filenews 18 December 2021 - by Andreas Pibishis
With the advent of the new year, the clock begins to count down for the Eastern Mediterranean pipeline and whether the project will be implemented or deemed unsustainable and remain on paper. The studies that will be completed in the coming year will also determine the fate of the project and it is estimated that at the end of 2022 the final decisions will be taken.
The East Mediterranean EastMed pipeline was also on the agenda of the last summit held in Jerusalem with the participation of President Anastasiades and the Prime Ministers of Israel, Naftali Bennett and Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to our information, from well-informed sources, from the discussion of the three leaders emerges the following in relation to the pipeline:
► Technical feasibility and economic viability studies will be completed in 2022
► Final decisions on the pipeline will be taken at the end of 2022 on the basis of results
► If the indications are positive then early 2023 construction works will begin, and the pipeline is expected to be operational at the end of 2025
► Otherwise, i.e. it is judged that it cannot be implemented, then other solutions will be sought.
It should be noted that among the three there are exclusions regarding the construction of this project. Both Israel and Cyprus strongly support the construction of a pipeline that will enable them to transport natural gas to Europe.
Although Greece does not disagree, it does not view the project with the same fervour and seems to support the Egyptian solution more. That is, natural gas should be channelled to Egyptian facilities and from there to be transported to Greece and Europe. It is estimated that through this route the obstacles raised by Turkey in the sea area between Cyprus, Greece and Egypt will be overcome.
From the discussions between the three leaders and at the level of diplomats, it seems to make it clear that the construction of a pipeline for the transport of natural gas from the region to Turkey and from there to Europe is out of the question. Both Cyprus and Israel agree that they cannot give Turkey the right to control their own gas exports to Europe. A position shared by Greece. As can be seen from discussions with diplomatic circles, while Erdogan is in power, any cooperation with him on energy issues is out of the question.
In relation to energy, the countries of the region are pleased to record France's interest in becoming a full member of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum. A development that means a great deal for both the EMGF and the countries of the region. Equally important is the interest on the part of the United States, the European Union and the World Bank to have a presence in the EMGF as observers.
Cypriot profits
For Cyprus, the developments taking place in relations between Arab countries and Israel seem to lend themselves to profit at various levels, both politically and economically. As can be seen from the discussions between the governments of Cyprus and Israel, the Cypriot side can benefit from the various projects promoted bilaterally by the Israeli side. Israel, in addition to upgrading its relations with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Morocco, is promoting a number of important projects. Cyprus can also play its own role by participating in these projects. Already during the meeting he had with the Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, President Anastasiades noted the interest of Cyprus in participating in these projects.
They want Cyprus as a common denominator
Although Cyprus is the smallest of the states participating in the regional formations, it can play a particularly important role. To be the common denominator of the countries in the region and to help overcome issues that currently cannot be dealt with bilaterally. In this context, Jordan's proposal, which was expected to be discussed during yesterday's visit of King Abdullah II to Nicosia, for the creation of a crisis centre, is also included in this context. According to our information, Jordan's proposal is to create something similar to EURescue for the region, where flying or other disaster response instruments are based in Cyprus. From where they can be directed either to Jordan, or to Israel or other regions. And this will overcome the problem of not flying directly.
