MacroPolis

EastMed pipeline close to high-level agreement, but still a long way from becoming reality

By: Georgia Nakou

The EastMed pipeline project is approaching another milestone, with a summit due to take place between Israel, Cyprus and Greece in Jerusalem on March 20.

Tsipras visit to Moscow confirms thaw in relations with Russia after diplomatic spat

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s visit to Moscow last week and the warm remarks made by him and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference that followed their meeting at the Kremlin last Friday means Greek-Russian relations appear to be back on track after last summer’s diplomatic crisis.

Territorial waters, hydrocarbon research cause friction between Athens and Ankara

Tension between Greece and Turkey has been relatively high over the last couple of weeks due to developments related to hydrocarbon research in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Athens facing diplomatic developments on several fronts in September

September will be a crucial month for Greek diplomacy as many issues are due to resurface again and will need to be handled properly.

Capture of soldiers adds to complexity of Greek-Turkish relations

The arrest of two Greek servicemen last Wednesday in the northern border region of Evros is causing much concern in Athens as officials wait to find out what Turkish authorities will decide to do with the soldiers.

Cyprus EEZ keeps Greek-Turkish relations on edge

Tensions are still running high between Athens and Ankara after a Turkish vessel rammed a Greek coast guard boat off the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean on February 12.

Hydrocarbons add to tension between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus

Tensions have risen between Turkey, the Republic of Cyprus and Greece amid Nicosia’s bid to progress with its hydrocarbon plans.

Athens wants to keep Ankara lines open despite EU reservations, S-400 deal

Turkey's decision to sign a controversial deal worth 2.14 billion euros with Russia for S-400 anti-aircraft missiles has sparked concerns within NATO and the European Union, putting the Greek government on alert as well.

Varosha move puzzles amid low expectations on Cyprus

Athens and Nicosia are still trying to figure out what is behind Turkey's recent decision to open up Maronite villages and the “ghost city” of Famagusta (Varosha).

UN steers clear of Cyprus blame game as focus moves to hydrocarbons

United Nations Special Advisor to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has urged all sides to abandon the blame game following the collapse of the Cyprus talks in Crans-Montana and to reflect on what the next steps should be.