Turkey, Libya Approve Disputed Maritime Deal Despite Greek Objections

Turkey has reached an agreement with Libya’s eastern parliament on a disputed maritime boundary deal in the eastern Mediterranean that would allow the two countries to explore for natural resources.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday, described the development as “significant,” according to his spokesman on Wednesday, while Greece and the European Union immediately condemned the move.

The agreement establishes an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between the Turkish and Libyan coasts, extending close to Greek islands including Crete and Rhodes.

The designated maritime area would be divided between Turkey and Libya, giving both countries rights to explore and exploit natural resources, including potentially valuable natural gas reserves.

The dispute is complicated by Libya’s political divisions, with rival administrations based in the eastern city of Tobruk and the western capital Tripoli.

Turkey signed the original maritime boundary agreement in 2019 with Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tripoli.

The deal has long been opposed by Greece, which argues that it disregards the maritime rights of its islands and would effectively deny them an EEZ in the disputed area.

After years of resistance, Libya’s eastern parliament ratified the agreement on Tuesday.

Erdoğan’s spokesman said the agreement aimed to achieve “fair sharing, peace and stability in the eastern Mediterranean.”

EU, however, terms the agreement ‘null and void’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she “deeply regretted” the ratification of the deal.

“This agreement infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states, it does not comply with the Law of the Sea, and is null and void.”

Athens also declared that the agreement remained illegal and ineffective.

“Geography and the law of the sea cannot be changed by unilateral parliamentary resolutions that have no legal basis,’’ the Greek Foreign Ministry said.

Disputes over maritime rights and regional influence in the eastern Mediterranean have persisted for years.

The heat of the tensions is competing claims to exclusive economic zones, as well as broader struggles for political and military influence.

Other countries involved in regional disputes include Israel, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.