The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed strong disapproval of the European Commission's initiative to create a map indicating Greece's extension of its territorial waters to 12 miles, as part of Maritime Spatial Planning. The ministry described this map as "legally non-existent" and stated that such actions hinder efforts to peacefully resolve regional disputes.
"The maps of the Aegean and Mediterranean utilized in this initiative hold no validity for Turkey and have no legal standing."
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the EU lacks the jurisdiction to intervene in disputes between sovereign nations.
"We remind that the EU has no authority to comment on maritime disputes between sovereign states. The EU's involvement in these matters complicates the resolution process. Unilateral actions concerning maritime jurisdiction are unacceptable," it cautioned, warning that such moves from EU planning "undermine efforts for a comprehensive, equitable, and sustainable solution to interconnected Aegean issues."
Turkey remains vigilant
The Ministry stressed that "Turkey is closely monitoring the EU's Maritime Spatial Planning, issuing necessary warnings to relevant parties, and will take all measures to protect its interests in the Aegean and the Mediterranean." It reaffirmed the importance of dialogue grounded in international law and good neighbor relations.
"A sincere and comprehensive approach should be adopted to address these issues, based on international law and the principle of good neighborliness," it emphasized.