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| Foto:Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets today with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets today with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodulides in Jerusalem, the agenda spans regional security, diplomacy, and economic cooperation. Yet, beneath the surface of these discussions lies a pressing strategic issue: Europe’s continued energy vulnerability. Contrary to popular belief, Europe has not ended its dependence on Russian gas—it has merely rerouted it through Turkey. This shift has replaced one form of dependence with another, leaving Europe exposed to geopolitical coercion.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe embarked on a bold mission to decouple from Russian energy. However, the reality is more complex. While pipeline imports from Russia have decreased, significant volumes of Russian gas now flow to Europe via Turkey, leveraging existing infrastructure like the TurkStream pipeline. This has turned Turkey into a critical—and potentially precarious—energy gateway for the continent. As a result, Europe’s energy security remains entangled with the political and economic interests of Ankara, a relationship fraught with uncertainties.
The Eastern Mediterranean (EastMed) pipeline project was conceived as a strategic alternative a direct, sovereign energy corridor linking the gas-rich fields of Israel and Cyprus to Greece and Italy. By bypassing regional gatekeepers, EastMed promised to diversify Europe’s energy sources and reduce its vulnerability to political pressure. Yet, in January 2022, the project was effectively frozen. Just weeks later, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscored the urgency of energy independence, making the suspension of EastMed a missed opportunity of historic proportions.
Today’s summit in Jerusalem is not merely a diplomatic gathering it is a chance to revive a vision of energy sovereignty. Israel, Greece, and Cyprus form a natural geopolitical triangle, anchored by shared democratic values and a common interest in regional stability. Together, they hold the key to unlocking the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy potential:
Israel’s substantial offshore gas reserves, particularly in the Leviathan and Tamar fields, can serve as a reliable source for Europe.
Cyprus, despite facing challenges in developing its Aphrodite field, remains a critical player in the region’s energy map.
Greece stands as the logical bridge, offering infrastructure and connectivity to European markets.
Renewed commitment to EastMed or alternative solutions such as expanded LNG facilities and underwater electricity interconnectors could provide Europe with a much-needed, diversified energy corridor.
Energy cooperation is just one pillar of this trilateral partnership. Joint ventures in renewable energy, cybersecurity, and innovation can further solidify this alliance. Moreover, aligning with the United States’ vision for the Eastern Mediterranean enhances the group’s strategic weight. In a region marked by volatility, the stability offered by Israel, Greece, and Cyprus is an invaluable asset.
Europe faces a clear choice: continue relying on rerouted Russian gas through Ankara, or invest in a sovereign corridor anchored by democratic allies. The Jerusalem summit is a reminder that the tools for energy independence are within reach. By revitalizing the EastMed vision and deepening trilateral cooperation, Europe can finally secure its energy future free from the shadows of Moscow and Ankara.
This assessment is based on a strategic analysis originally published in Israel Hayom. The path to energy sovereignty is not just about pipelines; it is about forging alliances that uphold stability, democracy, and strategic autonomy.