# The Geopolitical Struggle Over the Great Sea Interconnector Turkey challenges maritime norms as Greece and Cyprus pursue critical energy infrastructure. - **Source:** [Foreign Policy](https://foreignpolicy.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/22b7238c-2c4a-4c42-8990-3f8fd55085df ## Energy Infrastructure Under Siege Greece and Cyprus are developing the Great Sea Interconnector, a subsea power cable designed to reduce fossil fuel dependence. However, the project faces significant delays as Turkey asserts authority over the seabed route. Ankara argues the cable traverses its maritime zones, creating a direct confrontation between regional energy ambitions and territorial claims. ## The UNCLOS Legal Impasse The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. While Greece relies on these international standards, Turkey has never ratified the treaty. Ankara identifies as a persistent objector, promoting its own maritime boundaries that overlap with Greek and Cypriot claims in the Aegean. ## Corporate Operational Dilemmas Cable installation firms are caught between international law and regional power dynamics. While these companies prefer to operate under clear legal frameworks, Turkey now demands written notices for all project activities. Facing potential obstruction, firms must navigate these geopolitical tensions, as Turkey threatens to block work that lacks its explicit authorization. ## Strategic Maritime Land Grabs Turkey’s opposition to the interconnector is part of a broader strategy to redefine maritime borders. By asserting control over the seabed, Ankara aims to claim rights over the waters above. This approach mirrors tactics used by other nations, such as China’s activities in the South China Sea, to challenge established global maritime norms. ## Diplomatic and Military Tensions The situation has escalated to the point of potential military friction. Greece has indicated that any Turkish attempt to physically obstruct the cable installation will be met with an operational response. This rhetoric highlights the fragility of the status quo between two NATO members, as both sides harden their respective positions on sovereignty. ## Broader Patterns of Anarchy The erosion of maritime rules is a global phenomenon. Russia utilizes a shadow fleet to bypass regulations, while Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. Even the United States has faced criticism for unilateral actions in international waters, signaling a widespread decline in adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS framework. ## Libya and Regional Alliances Ankara’s maritime claims are bolstered by a 2019 agreement with Libya’s Tripoli-based government, which was recently recognized by the eastern Libyan parliament. This deal, which ignores UNCLOS principles, serves as a legal anchor for Turkey’s expansionist maritime policy, further complicating the diplomatic landscape for Greece, Cyprus, and their regional partners like Egypt. ## Future of Maritime Order The struggle over the Great Sea Interconnector serves as a microcosm for the collapse of international maritime order. As nations prioritize tactical advantages over multilateral agreements, the risk of conflict increases. Future leaders may soon realize that the stability provided by established ocean governance is essential for preventing widespread regional instability. ## Sources covering this story - https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/11/12/undersea-anarchy-turkey-greece-cyprus-energy/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._