Greece and Egypt are set to initiate negotiations on expanding their maritime boundary agreement eastward in the Eastern Mediterranean. This decision comes amidst ongoing tensions over maritime claims involving Turkey and Libya. The agreement to begin talks was reached during a telephone conversation between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
The countries are considering extending their exclusive economic zone (EEZ) agreement, initially established in August 2020, which currently covers the area between the 26th and 28th meridians. The proposed extension would include waters east of the 28th meridian, a line that intersects the island of Rhodes.
This move follows Libya’s ratification of a maritime memorandum with Turkey, a development that has further fueled disputes over maritime boundaries in the region. Greece and Egypt have rejected the Turkish-Libyan agreement, arguing that it fails to adequately consider islands in determining maritime boundaries, a principle they uphold.
Technical consultations between Greece and Egypt are expected to take place soon as part of efforts to advance the proposed extension of their EEZ. Meanwhile, Greece has signaled its intention to raise concerns over the Turkish-Libyan memorandum with the European Union and the United Nations, urging a coordinated international response.
Turkey, however, has defended its agreement with Libya, asserting that third-party assessments cannot invalidate the memorandum. The new Greek-Egyptian initiative underscores ongoing disputes over maritime jurisdiction and influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.