Cyprus, Energy Routes, and U.S. Interests in the Eastern Mediterranean - MIDDLE EAST FORUM

April 16, 2026

Nicoletta Kouroushi

Cyprus is moving to commercialize its natural gas through Egypt, using existing infrastructure to reach European markets. This reflects a broader shift in the Eastern Mediterranean, where energy influence depends less on ownership of resources and more on control of infrastructure and export routes.

Rather than Pursuing Large-Scale Infrastructure, States Increasingly Rely on Flexible Arrangements Built Around Existing Systems

The Cyprus-Egypt framework agreement establishes the basis for routing gas from offshore fields such as Kronos and Aphrodite to Egyptian liquefaction facilities for export. By relying on existing terminals, Cyprus reduces costs, shortens timelines, and avoids the political and technical risks associated with new pipeline projects.

The agreement strengthens Egypt’s role as a regional liquefied natural gas hub while providing Cyprus with its first export pathway.

Chevron considers gas exploration offshore Cyprus, Egypt and Israel - OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY

April 19, 2023

US energy major Chevron is looking to explore for natural gas offshore Cyprus, Egypt and Israel to meet surging demand in the region and Europe, reported Reuters, citing two sources.

As part of this effort, the US company is seeking a drilling ship to support natural gas exploration work.

According to the sources, the company has issued a lease tender seeking a drilling vessel from potential companies in 2024, for a period of one year with an option to extend for several years.

A Chevron spokesperson said the company “remains committed to working together with the governments of Egypt, Israel and Cyprus and our partners in the region to support the growth of the east Mediterranean energy sector.

Egypt launches new bid round for Mediterranean, Nile Delta oil and gas exploration - REUTERS

December 27, 20222:26 PM GMT+2Last Updated 2 days ago

CAIRO, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Egypt has set a new international tender for oil and gas exploration rights in the Nile Delta and Mediterranean sea, the state news agency reported on Tuesday.

The tender was set for 12 blocks, split evenly between onshore and offshore, and the deadline for offers in the bid round was set for April 30, 2023, the tender announcement showed.

Egypt and Chevron agree to explore new East Med gas deal - REUTERS

June 21, 2022, 10:51 AM GMT+3

CAIRO/HOUSTON, June 20 (Reuters) - Egypt's state-owned gas company and U.S.-based Chevron Corp (CVX.N)on Monday signed a preliminary agreement to explore sending natural gas from offshore Mediterranean fields to Egypt for processing and export.

The memorandum of understanding signed by Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) and Chevron will consider transport, import, liquefication and export of natural gas from the eastern Mediterranean, the ministry said.

Chevron two years ago acquired an about 40% stake in a massive natural gas field in the Mediteranean Sea off the coast of Israel. It also plans to drill its first exploration well in a concession area in the eastern Mediterranean in September, Egypt's petroleum ministry said in a statement.

Diplomatic sources reportedly deny claims of Turkey-Egypt EEZ delineation talks - KATHIMERINI

08.MARCH.2021 • 12:36

Diplomatic sources in Egypt have denied claims that Cairo and Ankara are engaged in talks over exclusive economic zone (EEZ) delineation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

According to the same sources, cited by the Arab News website, Egypt remains committed to Greece and Cyprus.

“The Egyptian side is sticking to its position rejecting the maritime agreement signed between the Libyan Government of National Accord and Ankara,” the sources said, according to the report.

“Egypt’s respect for the maritime borders of the Mediterranean countries is not new and Turkey’s attempts to claim that the two countries have negotiated is incorrect,” the sources said.

Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu suggested Turkey had been invited to negotiate a maritime demarcation agreement with Egypt in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias is on Monday expected to visit Cairo and Nicosia.

The EastMed Pipeline is a win-win for Israel, Cyprus and Greece - THE JERUSALEM POST

JANUARY 30, 2021 20:37
Michael Harari

In recent years, the Eastern Mediterranean has stood out as a distinct sub-region, receiving wide attention in the regional and international arena – politically, strategically and economically.

The discovery of natural gas in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Israel, Cyprus and Egypt, and the clear potential for the discovery of additional gas fields in the economic waters of other countries such as Lebanon, were a major catalyst for the development of new regional architecture on the one hand, and of rising tension between part of the countries involved on the other.

The bilateral relationship between Israel and Cyprus, which has become very close in the last decade, has in many ways been a cornerstone of the regional alliances that have been woven in recent years.

The Regional Gas Forum, established two years ago in Cairo and which consists of seven members, is a fascinating illustration of the common interests formed in the region. These are Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Cyprus and the Palestinian Authority. Israel is rightly entitled to observe these developments with great satisfaction.

UK extends sanctions for East Med drilling - KATHIMERINI

18.12.2020 : 21:11

Vassilis Nedos

The United Kingdom has announced the extension of sanctions on persons involved in illegal drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, namely in Cyprus, beyond December 31, when the transitional period for the UK’s formal exit from the European Union expires.

According to the UK Foreign Office, the Unauthorized Drilling Activities in the Eastern Mediterranean regime includes sanctions for “discouraging any activity of exploration, production or extraction of hydrocarbons that has not been authorized by Cyprus in its territorial sea or/and in its exclusive economic zone and on its continental shelf.”

It added that this includes activities which may jeopardize or hamper the reaching of a delimitation agreement “in cases where the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf has not been delimited in accordance with international law with a state having an opposite coast.”

Defa chairman says gas brings millions of euros to Cyprus - CYPRUS MAIL

December 4, 2020

Andrew Rosenbaum

“The import of gas into Cyprus has the potential to transform the country’s economy and, as a result of this gasification of the island and the region, is already bringing in millions of euros,” Cyprus Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA) chairman Symeon Kassianides pointed out.

Speaking at a webinar sponsored by the Petroleum Economist magazine entitled “Unlocking the potential of East Med Gas,” Kassianides explained the many benefits of the import of gas to Cyprus.

“Not only does it permit the reduction of electricity costs, which are among the highest in Europe, but also because it will permit the opening up of the electricity market. This has been open for some time, but the sale of electricity to the grid depends on the arrival of gas on the island – independent electricity producers had dormant licences which are soon to become a reality.”

“Another new reality is the creation of gas-powered generation plants which are now coming to Cyprus. Renewable generation projects are planning to use gas turbines so that they can produce cheap electricity round the clock and not only when the sun is up during the day. This will make renewables even more viable, so in terms of the energy production we have a complete transformation.”

Will Natural Gas Isolate Turkey And Integrate Israel In The Eastern Mediterranean? - FORBES

Oct 22, 2020,08:44am EDT

Daniel Markind

For generations, the area around the eastern Mediterranean Sea has been filled with turmoil. From the Arab-Israeli conflict to the divided island of Cyprus and the general animus between Greece and Turkey, the region’s problems have seemed intractable.

Over the last decade however, discovery of massive natural gas deposits underneath the eastern Mediterranean Sea are reorienting the entire region. The rush to obtain energy independence and security by discovering and laying claim to gas and oil reserves is immensely important to the countries in the region, forcing them to reconsider historical relationships and presenting new possibilities which previously seemed unthinkable. At the same time however, countries like Turkey which refuse to think anew may find themselves left behind. Events are moving at tremendous speed, with much of the region has changed in just the last three months.

Egypt and Greece Sign Maritime Border Deal in Snub to Turkey - BLOOMBERG

August 6, 2020, 5:28 PM GMT+3

Abdel Latif Wahba

Egypt and Greece on Thursday signed a maritime border agreement, a move that comes amid criticism of growing Turkish influence in the eastern Mediterranean region.

The agreement, which lays out the boundary between the two nations’ exclusive economic zones, will allow Athens and Cairo to secure maximum benefits from oil and natural gas in the area, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in a televised press conference with his Greek counterpart, Nikolaos Dendias.

The deal comes as Turkey is looking to issue new energy exploration licenses in the eastern Mediterranean, a move sharply criticized by Greece and the European Union. In addition, Turkish support for the internationally recognized, Tripoli-based Libyan Government of National Accord has upped the stakes in the war-ravaged North African nation.

Israel is Diving Into the Troubled Eastern Mediterranean - BLOOMBERG

July 26, 2020, 8:00 AM GMT+3

Seth J. Frantzman

The Israeli cabinet last week approved a pipeline deal to move gas offshore via Cyprus to Greece and Europe. The 1,900-kilometer (1,181 miles) link will connect gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean basin to European markets. The $6 billion project, many years in the discussion, was boosted in January by an agreement signed in Athens between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Greek and Cypriot counterparts.

The EastMed project puts Israel on a collision course with Turkey. Ankara has laid claim, reinforced with a maritime deal with Libya, to large parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, where it is exploring for gas—and conducting naval exercises. These moves are exacerbating tensions with Greece.

Chevron to take over Noble’s Cyprus gas field - FINANCIAL MIRROR

20 July 2020

US energy giant Chevron is taking over Noble Energy for $5 bln in an all-share deal, boosting its shale gas assets at home, while expanding its natural gas and crude resources overseas, including Cyprus.

This includes Noble’s stake in Israeli offshore gas fields, as well as Cyprus’ adjacent Aphrodite, where it is a joint venture partner with Shell and Delek.

A joint announcement by the American companies said: “The acquisition of Noble Energy provides Chevron with low-cost, proved reserves and attractive undeveloped resources that will enhance an already advantaged upstream portfolio.

Noble Energy brings low-capital, cash-generating offshore assets in Israel, strengthening Chevron’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Chevron Announces Agreement to Acquire Noble Energy - CHEVRON

20 JULY 2020

• Brings high quality assets to Chevron’s global portfolio
• Proved reserves to be acquired for under $5 per oil equivalent barrel
• Delivers $300 million in anticipated annual pre-tax synergies
• Accretive to ROCE, free cash flow and earnings

SAN RAMON, Calif., July 20, 2020 - Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Noble Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBL) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Noble Energy in an all-stock transaction valued at $5 billion, or $10.38 per share. Based on Chevron’s closing price on July 17, 2020 and under the terms of the agreement, Noble Energy shareholders will receive 0.1191 shares of Chevron for each Noble Energy share. The total enterprise value, including debt, of the transaction is $13 billion.

The acquisition of Noble Energy provides Chevron with low-cost, proved reserves and attractive undeveloped resources that will enhance an already advantaged upstream portfolio. Noble Energy brings low-capital, cash-generating offshore assets in Israel, strengthening Chevron’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean. Noble Energy also enhances Chevron’s leading U.S. unconventional position with de-risked acreage in the DJ Basin and 92,000 largely contiguous and adjacent acres in the Permian Basin.

2020Egypt plans to sign oil and gas exploration and production contracts in 2021 - ZAWYA

17 JUNE, 2020
Marwa Abo Almajd

Egypt has signed 12 oil and gas exploration and production agreements involving local and international companies, an official of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said.

Spokesperson Hamdy Abd Alaziz told Zawya Projects last week that the agreements have received cabinet approval and the contracts are expected to be signed in 2021 after parliamentary approvals.

He said agreements were signed with companies from the US, UK, France, Kuwait and the UAE to start exploration and production activities in the Western Desert, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

Abd Alaziz said the local counterparties to the agreements included the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), which has projects in Narges, North Al Dabaa; North Sidi Barani; North Al-Salloum; North Al-Amiriya; North of Ras Kanais; North Marina and North of Cleopatra in the Mediterranean; Ganoub El Wadi Petroleum Holding Company (Ganope), which has projects in Blocks 1, 3, and 4 on the Red Sea, and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), which has a project in East Abu Sennan in the Western Desert.

In December 2019, Reuters reported that Egypt had awarded oil and gas exploration concessions in its first ever Red Sea licensing round.

Greece and Italy sign ‘historic’ maritime borders accord - KATHIMERINI

TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2020, 13:27

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio on Tuesday inked a maritime borders agreement delimiting an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between the two countries.

The agreement, which was signed by the two foreign ministers during a visit by Di Maio to Athens and is an extension of a 1977 accord, paves the way for Greece and Italy to explore for and exploit marine resources.

It also paves the way for Greece to reach a similar deal with neighboring Albania.

“The delimitation of maritime zones with all of our neighbors in the context of international law is a consistent objective for this country,” Dendias said in comments after signing the agreement.

Cyprus must redirect its energy policy - CYPRUS MAIL

May 10, 2020

Charles Ellinas

The international oil and gas companies (IOCs) have finally confirmed postponement of planned drilling in Cyprus’ EEZ into 2021. It is understood that the energy minister is looking into extending Eni/Total’s contracts to facilitate this.

The press coverage that followed, stated that it is “important to note that the oil companies are not pulling out”, but “they have merely postponed their planned drilling in response to the many problems currently being faced.”

But is such a complacent view justified? Where is this going? Let’s look at the evolving facts.

Record Egyptian finds but gas glut beckons - CYPRUS MAIL

March 1, 2020

Charles Ellinas

Egypt had another successful year in 2019 and this was showcased at the country’s annual petroleum show, EGYPS-2020, held mid-February in Cairo.

But 2020 is turning out to be a pivotal, but challenging, year for the oil and natural gas industries worldwide and Egypt and the East Med are not immune to it.

Opening the conference, Petroleum Minister Tarek El Molla highlighted the successes of 2019, with the oil and gas sector contributing 25 per cent to Egypt’s gross domestic product.

A total of 29 international agreements were signed during EGYPS-2020, reflecting the great potential and promising opportunities of the Egyptian petroleum sector.

American chambers of Greece, Cyprus, Israel hail Trump’s signing of EastMed Act - KATHIMERINI

FRIDAY DECEMBER 27, 2019 / 18:22

The American chambers of commerce in Greece, Cyprus and Israel have issued a joint statement hailing US President Donald Trump’s signing of the EastMed Act as a step toward promoting security and energy partnerships in the region.

“On the 20th of December, President Trump signed the EastMed Act to primarily promote security and energy partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean. This Act, otherwise cited as the ‘Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019,’ exhibits the historic metamorphosis in United States foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, reflecting to a great extent the strategic view and principle that the security of partners and allies in the Eastern Mediterranean region is critical to the security of the United States and Europe,” the joint statement said.

“Through the Act, the United States commits to continue robust official strategic engagement with Israel, Greece and Cyprus and to actively participate in the trilateral dialogue on energy, maritime security, cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure conducted among the three countries,” the statement said.

Exxonmobil Israel talk Leviathan LNG export options - OIL & GAS EURASIA

13.11.2019

Exxonmobil is offering to build Israel a floating LNG gas-ship to export from the Leviathan gasfield and thus bypass Egypt’s planned LNG export facility.

An Exxonmobil representative told various financial media that the company is still considering its options. Other sources cautioned that it is entirely likely no agreement will be reached.

Despite considerable gas discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean region over the past decade, viable export routes have been hard to find. This has put off global energy firms. The Leviathan partners have signed deals to meet surging demand in Egypt, Jordan and Israel, but haven’t yet found a way to export to Europe or East Asia.

Greece, Israel and Cyprus – with or without others - KATHIMERINI

12.NOV.2019 : 12:00

Locked in a region marked by uncertainty and risky endeavors, and amid widespread concern sparked by Turkey’s incursion into Syria, Greece, Cyprus and Israel are forging a web of stability. The project is designed to serve their own interests but at the same time serves those of Europe and the United States.

Here are three democratic states, each with its own comparative advantages, which have over the past 10 years made a systematic effort on a bilateral and trilateral level to establish a system of mutually beneficial cooperation across a wide range of activities.

A large number of plans are being implemented, or are under consideration – from the sharing of intelligence and know-how and the implementation of joint military drills to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), even satellites, and energy cooperation.