The Black Sea Submarine Cable Project received Project of Mutual Interest status from the European Union in April 2026, strengthening its position within Europe’s cross-border energy infrastructure framework.

The planned interconnector would establish a high-voltage electricity link between Georgia and Europe through the Black Sea. Project materials describe an approximately 1,155 km route, including about 1,115 km of subsea cable and 40 km on land, with a transmission capacity of 1,300 MW.

The April decision followed practical cooperation steps earlier in the year. In February, Georgian State Electrosystem and Romanian transmission operator Transelectrica signed a memorandum covering technical, financial, regulatory, environmental and social work connected to the project.

Later in February, the project moved toward detailed Black Sea seabed surveys, a necessary stage for refining the route and engineering design.

PMI status brings the development under the EU framework for strategically important cross-border projects. It can support coordination, permitting and access to European financing instruments, although it does not amount to a final investment decision or construction approval.

The cable is intended to support electricity trade between the South Caucasus and Europe and to create an export route for future renewable generation. Its commercial case will depend on generation availability, market demand, financing, regulatory alignment and the cost of building one of the world’s longest subsea power links.

The project’s progress in 2026 shows a move from broad political commitment toward technical preparation and institutional structuring, while substantial development work remains before construction can begin.

The article is based on information published by Georgian State Electrosystem and the European project process.