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Greece has petitioned the European Union to intervene in a long-standing maritime dispute with Turkey, alleging unlawful fishing and violations of the law of the sea by Turkish fishermen in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Greek Shipping Minister, Vasilis Kikilias, brought the matter to the attention of European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, during a meeting in Athens on Friday.
The decades-old dispute between NATO allies and neighbours Greece and Turkey revolves around the territorial waters and continental shelves in the Aegean Sea, including fishing rights. Greece has consistently maintained that its maritime jurisdiction is being disregarded, and the presence of Turkish fishermen in disputed areas is a deliberate attempt to challenge its sovereign rights.
Minister Kikilias expressed concern over the provocative behaviour of Turkish fishermen and reiterated Greece’s request for EU intervention to resolve the issue. He stressed that the protection of Greek sea borders is synonymous with safeguarding Europe’s borders, highlighting the importance of EU involvement in addressing this maritime dispute.
Turkey’s actions have been seen as an escalation of the long-standing tensions between the two nations. The dispute has significant implications for the region’s marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of fishermen, as well as for EU relations with Turkey and its own credibility in enforcing maritime laws.
In recent years, the EU has played a key role in mediating maritime disputes between member states. Greece’s request for EU intervention in this dispute underscores the significance of maintaining maritime order and the need for a unified approach to addressing international conflicts that may impact regional and global stability.
In commenting on the issue, Minister Kikilias noted: “I’ve raised with the Commissioner a major issue for Greece regarding our fishermen and our fisheries and the provocative behaviour of our Turkish neighbours with regards to the unlawful fishing, the non-respect of the law of the sea, and the disputing of our sovereign rights. We ask the European Union to intervene.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will closely monitor the EU’s response to Greece’s request. A united front from the EU on this issue could potentially reduce tensions and promote cooperation between Greece and Turkey, paving the way for a more stable and secure eastern Mediterranean region.