The Cyprus problem as an obstacle to regional energy cooperation

The discovery of natural gas, together with the prospect of further hydrocarbon finds offshore Cyprus, carries a promise of prosperity for the island. Most experts agree that rapid realization of this promise, with maximum benefits for all stakeholders, is possible if there is cooperation between Cyprus and Turkey. Specifically, this refers to a project which involves export of Cypriot gas via a pipeline to Turkey, where it could be consumed in the latter’s consistently growing domestic market or be transported to European markets (via the planned TANAP plus TAP pipelines)