Greece’s Maritime Boundary Redefinition in the Aegean Sea

Greece Sparks Tension with marine Park Plan, Claiming Aegean Waters

May 7, 2024 – Updated as new information becomes available

Proposed marine park zones, perhaps overlapping with Turkish territorial claims.

ATHENS, GREECE – In a move that has already drawn criticism from Ankara, Greece is pushing forward with plans to establish several “marine parks” in the Aegean Sea, aiming to meet the European Union’s 2030 ocean protection targets. The initiative, touted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos mitsotakis as a commitment to safeguarding marine life, has raised concerns due to the potential for overlapping claims in disputed territorial waters.

The Greek government has announced the creation of expansive marine protected areas near the islands off the coasts of Italy and Türkiye. The largest of these, the Aegean Park, is slated to encompass approximately 9,500 square kilometers around the southern Cyclades islands.

“These will allow us to achieve the goal… They will be large shelters for the life under the waves,” stated Prime Minister Mitsotakis, emphasizing the ban on bottom trawling within the parks. The Greek navy intends to conduct frequent patrols within the designated zones to ensure the protection of the marine ecosystems.

However, Turkey has quickly voiced it’s disapproval. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has explicitly stated that Greece is exploiting environmental concerns for political gains, asserting that these marine parks will not impact the long-standing disputes between the two nations concerning the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Ankara has also declared its intention to announce its own initiatives for marine protection in the near future.

The Aegean Sea, a elaborate maze of islands, is the source of many disputes.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has also warned against unilateral actions in the Aegean and Mediterranean, characterizing these seas as “closed or semi-closed.”

These developments are occurring amidst broader discussions around maritime boundaries and resource management in the Eastern Mediterranean. the establishment of these marine parks will be finalized after the public consultation phase ends and the Ministry of Environment prepares two Presidential Decree drafts, which will be presented to the Council of State by the end of October.

The Bigger picture: Protecting Our Oceans

The Greek initiative underscores the growing global emphasis on marine conservation. Creating marine parks is a key strategy for safeguarding biodiversity and bolstering the resilience of ocean ecosystems. These protected areas enhance fish stocks, reduce pollution, and preserve vulnerable habitats. they are important pillars for reaching the EU’s “2030 ocean protection targets”.

However,the success of these efforts depends on careful planning and international cooperation. Addressing overlapping territorial claims, as highlighted by the current dispute between Greece and Turkey, is vital to ensure that conservation efforts are effective and do not exacerbate existing political tensions. the coming months will be critical in determining the final scope and implementation of these marine parks, and impact the delicate balance of the region.

What are the key ancient events that have shaped the current Aegean Sea dispute between Greece and Turkey?

Historical Context of Aegean Sea Disputes

the Aegean Sea, a crucial waterway between Greece and turkey, has long been a source of geopolitical tension, primarily revolving around maritime boundaries, sovereignty over islands, and resource exploration. Understanding the historical context is vital to grasping the current situation.

Post-WWII Disputes: Initial disagreements arose after World War II concerning the delimitation of territorial waters, continental shelves, and airspace.

The ICJ & Arbitral Tribunals: Both nations have, at times, sought resolution through international courts like the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but complete agreements remain elusive.

The “Gray Zones”: Areas of overlapping claims, often referred to as “grey zones,” continue to fuel friction and necessitate careful navigation by both naval and civilian vessels. Thes zones are central to the current Aegean Sea dispute.

Greece’s Position on Maritime Zones

Greece asserts its rights based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), advocating for a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, a 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, and a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Island Sovereignty: A core tenet of greece’s position is that islands possess the same rights to maritime zones as mainland territories – a point of contention with Turkey.

Continental Shelf Claims: Greece claims a continental shelf extending beyond 200 nautical miles in certain areas, based on geological features.

National airspace: Greece maintains full sovereignty over its national airspace,including the airspace above its territorial waters and islands,a claim Turkey frequently challenges.

Turkey’s Counterclaims & Red Lines

Turkey disputes many of Greece’s claims, arguing that the presence of numerous islands close to its coastline significantly limits its access to the Aegean Sea and its resources.

Reduced Territorial Waters: Turkey advocates for a 6-nautical-mile territorial sea for all islands, arguing this is a more equitable approach.

Joint Management Proposals: turkey has proposed joint management of Aegean Sea resources, but these proposals have been largely rejected by Greece.

Mavi Vatan (Blue Homeland) Doctrine: Turkey’s assertive “Mavi vatan” doctrine emphasizes its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean, and has been a driving force behind its increasingly assertive naval presence. This doctrine directly impacts maritime security in the region.

Disputed Islands: Turkey questions the sovereignty of several small greek islands, claiming they were not ceded to Greece under relevant treaties.

Recent Developments & Escalation Risks (2023-2025)

The period between 2023 and 2025 has witnessed increased tensions, marked by naval exercises, airspace violations, and heightened rhetoric.

Increased Naval Activity: Both Greece and Turkey have conducted extensive naval exercises in the Aegean, frequently enough in close proximity to each other, raising the risk of accidental escalation.

airspace Violations: Frequent Turkish airspace violations of Greek airspace continue to be a major source of friction.

Exploration disputes: Disputes over hydrocarbon exploration rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean remain unresolved, with both countries conducting seismic surveys in contested areas.

EU Involvement: The European Union has repeatedly called for de-escalation and dialog between Greece and Turkey, offering its mediation services.

* The Role of NATO: As both countries are NATO members, the alliance plays a crucial role in preventing a direct military confrontation, but its influence is limited by the bilateral nature of the dispute.

The impact of historical Naming Conventions

Interestingly, the very name “Greece” has a complex history. As noted in research https://www.zhihu.com/question/29182185, the term “hellas” (Έλλας) originates from the ancient Hellenic people and is preferred by many Greeks, while “Greece” was a term historically used as a derogatory label by the Ottoman Empire. While seemingly unrelated to the maritime dispute, this illustrates a deeper cultural and historical context to the ongoing tensions. Understanding this nuance can inform diplomatic approaches.

Potential Paths forward: Diplomacy & International Law

Resolving the Aegean Sea dispute requires a commitment to diplomacy, adherence to