Cyprus plans to deliver its first natural gas exports to Europe -via Egypt- in 2028, Nikos Christodoulides, the Cypriot President, told a Cabinet meeting, adding that this step carries strategic importance for strengthening Nicosia’s geostrategic and energy position in the region.

The president said that the  Cabinet has approved the development and production plan for the Cronos reservoir, along with all related agreements for the commercial exploitation and sale of Cypriot natural gas, marking a major step forward for the country’s energy sector.

Christodoulides said the country is moving from the exploration phase to the exploitation phase of natural gas, describing it as the most significant development since the first gas discovery in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in 2011.

Cyprus first discovered offshore natural gas in 2011, helping establish the Eastern Mediterranean as an emerging energy region. The Cronos field, discovered in 2022 by Eni and TotalEnergies in Block 6 of Cyprus’ EEZ, is part of the country’s broader effort to commercialize its gas resources. Cyprus plans to export gas to Europe through Egypt, leveraging Egypt’s existing LNG infrastructure amid growing European demand for alternative gas supplies.

Egypt and Cyprus share strong cooperation ties in the oil and gas sector. Last March, the two countries signed a framework agreement for cooperation in natural gas during the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES) 2026. Moreover, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) signed a 15‑year agreement in April to purchase the entire output of the Cypriot Aphrodite gas field, with an option to extend the deal for an additional five years