Turkey has expressed strong objections to Greece’s recently released Maritime Spatial Planning Map, reigniting tensions over maritime boundaries in the Aegean Sea.
Turkish analysts, as reported by Skai.gr correspondent Manolis Kostidis from Istanbul, argue that “Greek islands have no effect, and the median line principle applies in the Aegean.” This stance challenges Greece’s inclusion of its islands in the maritime delimitation process outlined in the map.
Mustafa Baskara, Director of a Maritime Law Research Center, elaborated:
“Under international law, when two mainland countries with opposing coasts need to delineate maritime boundaries, the median line principle must be applied, starting from the mainland. Islands, regardless of their number, cannot be factored into the initial delimitation. Only after establishing the median line can the effect of islands on the ‘wrong’ side of the line be considered, within the framework of international law. For Greece and Turkey, a median line between the mainland territories is required. Greece’s map, however, reflects maximalist positions. For Turkey, this map is invalid and lacks any legal basis.”
Oztan Tikit, an international relations analyst at Anadolu Agency, offered a different perspective:
“Greece has presented its own vision. This map does not delineate maritime zones but fulfills Greece’s obligations to the European Union. Turkey has responded, and it’s worth noting that Turkey submits its own maritime map to the United Nations and UNESCO.”
The controversy underscores longstanding disputes between Greece and Turkey over maritime rights in the Aegean, with both nations asserting competing claims based on international law and regional agreements.
In related news, Turkish newspaper Milliyet reported that Germany has vetoed the supply of Eurofighter jets to Turkey, citing the imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the prominent mayor of Istanbul, as a key factor.