A Greek newspaper has reported that France's notification to Turkey of its planned research in the eastern Mediterranean could be interpreted as implicit recognition of Turkish claims in the region. The research is part of a project to connect the Greek island of Crete and Cyprus with an electricity cable. According to the report, France's move may be seen as acceptance of a maritime memorandum signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019.
The Greek government, however, disputes this interpretation, stating that the notification does not imply recognition of Turkish claims or a request for approval. In a meeting on November 5, French Ambassador to Turkey Isabelle Dumont discussed the issue with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay, amid efforts to avoid escalating tensions over the project.
On November 6, Greece completed granting the necessary permits for the research and cable laying, issuing a maritime notice allowing the French vessel "Abu Marengo" to conduct the research from November 6, 2026, to March 6, 2027. However, Turkey responded with a counter maritime notice, claiming that parts of the research area fall within its continental shelf.
Turkey had previously informed the United Nations of its continental shelf boundaries in March 2020, and argued that conducting research in those areas requires coordination with its competent authorities. This development has revived a maritime dispute between Turkey and Greece, which had previously led to a confrontation in July 2024.
In July 2024, a previous round of research was halted after Turkish warships appeared in the area off the island of Kasos, leading to a maritime confrontation between Ankara and Athens and the suspension of work. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Turkey and Greece over maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean.
The maritime memorandum signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019 has been a point of contention, with Greece and other regional players expressing concerns over its implications for the region. The issue remains a sensitive topic, with both sides seeking to assert their claims in the eastern Mediterranean.
The French research project aims to connect Crete and Cyprus with an electricity cable, a move that could have significant economic and strategic implications for the region. As tensions continue between Turkey and Greece, the international community is watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Key points
- France's notification to Turkey of its planned research in the eastern Mediterranean has sparked a dispute over maritime claims.
- Greece and Turkey have competing claims in the region, with Greece disputing Turkey's interpretation of the French notification.
- The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Turkey and Greece over maritime claims in the eastern Mediterranean.
