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Greece Reaffirms Commitment to Great Sea Interconnector Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
August 26, 2025

Steadfast Progress on a Pan-European Initiative

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis unequivocally declared on Monday that the Great Sea Interconnector project will proceed without interruption. Designed to link the energy grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, this ambitious endeavor is firmly entrenched within the framework of a broader European initiative, as confirmed during his dialogue on television with channel Open.

Unyielding Assurance Amid Regional Concerns

Addressing questions about potential international maritime notifications (Navtex) in advance of autumn surveys, the minister dismissed any anticipated complications, stating that there is “absolutely no reason for concern.” The Greek administration remains committed to continuity, emphasizing that surveys will persist as scheduled.

Defending Sovereign Rights and Strategic Interests

Gerapetritis underscored that the establishment of electrical cables is safeguarded under international law—a principle that guarantees its protection against any interference. He warned that any attempt by Turkey, which aspires to European Union membership, to derail a pan-European project would have significant consequences. In a firm tone, he attested that Greece is fully prepared to exercise all sovereign rights in its territorial waters, including deploying necessary measures if Turkish naval forces encroach upon areas designated for sea-bed surveys and cable laying.

Enhancing Geopolitical Position in the Mediterranean

The minister’s remarks come as part of a broader policy aimed at elevating Greece’s geopolitical standing in the Mediterranean region. With strengthened alliances and a strategic outlook, Gerapetritis noted that Greece is in a more advantageous position now than it was two years prior, in spite of persistent regional challenges.

Context and Contemporary Challenges

These comments follow recent assertions made by Cypriot Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, who cited studies suggesting that the interconnector project faces sustainability hurdles due to geopolitical risks—specifically attributing the delays in seabed surveys to Turkish actions. Earlier reports pointed to possible plans for an alternative route via the Dodecanese islands, although Greek officials have consistently refuted these claims.

Forward-Looking Strategy

In the face of technical, fiscal, and geopolitical uncertainties, Greece continues to demonstrate resolve in advancing the project. Significant investments, including contracts with French technology firm Nexans for submarine cable manufacturing, underscore the commitment to ensuring that critical energy infrastructure projects are not thwarted by external pressures.

Ultimately, the minister’s assurances reflect a broader commitment to not only overcoming immediate geopolitical obstacles but also reinforcing Greece’s role as a key player in the future of European energy security.

Meta Platforms And TikTok Secure Legal Victory Over EU Fee Calculation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 16, 2025

Judicial Ruling Underscores Procedural Oversight

Meta Platforms and TikTok emerged victorious in a legal challenge concerning the European Union’s calculation of a supervisory fee imposed under the Digital Services Act. The landmark decision by the Luxembourg-based General Court provides regulators with 12 months to revise their fee methodology, though companies will not recoup their previously paid fees.

Critique Of The Fee Methodology

Both Meta and TikTok contended that the fee—set at 0.05% of annual global net income—was unfairly determined by a formula that accounts for average monthly active users and financial performance from the prior year. The companies argued that the current approach results in disproportionate charges, particularly penalizing those with significant regulatory burdens despite reporting losses. In its ruling, the court emphasized that the fee methodology should have been established via a delegated act rather than under the current implementing decisions.

EU Commission’s Response And Next Steps

The European Commission maintained that aside from a procedural correction, the underlying fee structure remains valid. A spokesperson confirmed that the institution now has a 12-month window to adopt a delegated act formalizing the fee calculation method and adjusting the relevant decisions. This development signifies a shift in regulatory procedure rather than a substantive overhaul of the fee principle.

Industry Reactions And Broader Context

Both TikTok and Meta have taken note of the ruling. TikTok expressed its commitment to monitoring the revision process, while Meta highlighted the disparities inherent in the current system, particularly for loss-making companies burdened with higher fees despite their user base. This legal contest comes at a time when multiple tech giants—including Amazon, Apple, Booking.com, Google, Microsoft, X, Snapchat, and Pinterest—face similar supervisory fees under the Digital Services Act, which aims to enforce stricter measures on harmful content with penalties reaching 6% of annual global turnover.

Conclusion

The court’s decision reinforces the need for procedural accuracy in the regulatory framework governing digital platforms. As the EU works to recalibrate its fee calculation method, the outcome will likely set a precedent for balancing fiscal obligations with fair treatment across the tech industry.

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