Cyprus's Energy Minister George Papanastasiou indicated that "his country hopes to develop plans for a pipeline linking it to Israeli gas fields in the eastern Mediterranean during talks starting next month." Instead of the East Med pipeline, which stretches 2,000 kilometers to Europe, the new government proposes a much shorter pipeline connecting Cyprus to the fields off Israel's coast. Once it reaches Cyprus, the gas can be liquefied and shipped to Europe.
Papanastasiou views "his new plan as a solution, considering it a 'win-win' for both parties." He added that "the East Med pipeline has not been canceled but has faced challenges. The projects have received support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides."
Two technical committees will be formed comprising experts from both sides, with discussions set to begin in July. The first committee will focus on gas and hydrogen, while the second will address electricity.
