Türkiye rejects Greece’s maritime plan, cites violation of jurisdiction

Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm response following Greece’s declaration of its Maritime Spatial Plan (MSP), stating that the plan includes areas in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean that violate Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction.

In its official statement released on April 16, 2025, the ministry said, “Some of the areas specified in the ‘Maritime Spatial Plan’ declared by Greece within the framework of EU legislation violate Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction areas in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.”

Türkiye emphasized it does not recognize Greece’s unilateral actions or maritime claims.

We reiterate that Greece’s unilateral actions and claims will not have any legal consequences for Türkiye.

Turkish MFA

Highlighting the legal and diplomatic framework surrounding maritime disputes, the ministry added.

We recall that unilateral actions should be avoided in a closed or semi-closed sea, such as the Aegean and the Mediterranean. International maritime law encourages cooperation between coastal states in these seas, including on environmental issues. In this regard, Türkiye is always ready to cooperate with Greece in the Aegean Sea.

Turkish MFA

Türkiye further asserted that Greece’s efforts to impose a fait accompli in disputed maritime areas are unacceptable.

“The aforementioned actions and fait accompli attempts, as in the past, will not have any legal consequences for Türkiye today or in the future,” the ministry said.

The ministry also referenced the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness, signed on Dec. 7, 2023, as a diplomatic basis for resolving issues peacefully.

Türkiye maintains its position that a sincere and comprehensive approach should be adopted to resolve issues on the basis of international law, equity and good neighborliness, within the framework of the Athens Declaration, which reflects the spirit both parties wish to preserve in Turkish-Greek relations.

Turkish MFA

Türkiye confirmed it will submit its own Maritime Spatial Plan to UNESCO and the relevant bodies of the United Nations.