France has emerged as a significant actor in the Eastern Mediterranean energy landscape, combining commercial interests, geopolitical ambition, and European energy security priorities. Its approach rests on three pillars: support for French corporate activity, especially through TotalEnergies; strategic alignment with Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel; and efforts to counterbalance Turkey’s growing assertiveness in the region. Since the major gas discoveries of the 2010s, France’s policy has evolved into a multi-layered strategy involving diplomacy, military presence, and energy investment. Recent developments between 2024 and 2026 show a more pragmatic shift away from costly pipeline visions and toward commercially viable export routes through Egypt. 

Commercial Interests and the Role of TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies plays a central role in France’s Eastern Mediterranean policy. In partnership with Italy’s Eni, the company has expanded its presence in Cyprus’s offshore blocks, particularly Block 6. The Cronos discovery in 2022, later appraised in 2024 at roughly 3.1 trillion cubic feet of gas in place, and the Zeus discovery, estimated at around 2.5 trillion cubic feet, strengthened Cyprus’s position as a potential gas supplier to regional and European markets. In February 2025, TotalEnergies and Eni signed a Host Government Agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos field by using Egyptian infrastructure, including the Zohr facilities and the Damietta LNG terminal, for liquefaction and export to Europe. A final investment decision is expected in 2026, with first deliveries potentially beginning by 2029. 

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This export route reflects commercial realism.

The EastMed pipeline, once promoted as a major strategic project linking Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and Europe, has faced persistent obstacles, including high costs, technical complexity, environmental concerns, and geopolitical tensions.

The EastMed pipeline, once promoted as a major strategic project linking Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and Europe, has faced persistent obstacles, including high costs, technical complexity, environmental concerns, and geopolitical tensions.

By contrast, routing Cypriot gas through Egypt allows producers to use existing LNG infrastructure while reducing exposure to disputes over pipeline routes. It also fits wider regional trends, as Israeli gas from Leviathan already flows to Egypt for domestic use and LNG export. For France, this approach supports European supply........

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