Blue Sovereignty: Greece Moves Forward with Marine Parks Despite Turkish Pressure

Greece is moving ahead with the long-awaited establishment of two National Marine Parks, one in the Ionian Sea and another in the Southern Cyclades, following an official announcement by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The initiative, which aligns with EU environmental mandates, has sparked a predictable backlash from Ankara, which continues to contest even Greece’s right to protect its maritime environment.

A European Obligation, a National Priority

In a televised address, the Prime Minister confirmed that Greece would finally implement its commitment to marine conservation, a pledge originally made in 2021. This move comes amid renewed pressure from the European Commission, which has threatened financial penalties if Greece fails to comply with a 2019 European Court of Justice ruling.

The creation of the parks had been delayed for years, drawing criticism from both EU institutions and environmental organizations such as the WWF, which now cautiously welcomes the initiative. As the WWF stated:

“These will be the largest marine protected areas in Greece, if the government follows through.”

Turkey’s “Diplomatic” Obstructionism

The response from Turkey was swift and familiar. Despite Greece excluding the Dodecanese (a region of heightened tension) from the initial park designations, Ankara labeled the move as a ‘unilateral provocation’, accusing Athens of imposing “faits accomplis” in the Aegean.

In a carefully worded yet aggressive statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs invoked the Athens Declaration of December 2023, twisting its language on “dialogue and cooperation” to argue that Greece must first seek Turkish consent before acting—even within its own territorial waters.

Turkey remains ready to cooperate as one of the two coastal states in the Aegean,” the statement read, while implicitly denying Greece’s sovereign right to act independently in its own maritime zones.

Marine Parks as Geopolitical Flashpoints

While environmental in nature, the marine parks represent more than ecology—they symbolize Greece’s insistence on its sovereignty and commitment to rule of law. Ankara’s position reflects a broader pattern: veiling expansionist claims in the rhetoric of dialogue, while rejecting any Greek initiative not filtered through Turkish veto.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded firmly, stating that:

“The exercise of Greece’s sovereign rights is non-negotiable.”

The ministry clarified that the Marine Parks are being established based on ecological criteria and within areas clearly defined by international treaties—a necessary reminder to a neighbor whose interpretation of international law often serves political aims.

France Stands With Greece

One notable ally in this matter is France, with President Emmanuel Macron having previously expressed support for Greece’s sovereign rights and maritime initiatives. French backing is viewed as crucial, especially given mixed signals from other EU partners, who are often more cautious in dealing with Turkey.

The Road Ahead: From Paper to Protection

Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou emphasized that the announced parks are “only the beginning,” and the government intends to expand protection to other marine regions in the future.

Yet NGOs remain skeptical, demanding that plans don’t stay “trapped in bureaucracy or diplomacy.” WWF, Greenpeace, and other groups stress the need for legal frameworks, enforcement, and long-term funding—not just headlines.

A Strategic and Ecological Imperative

Despite Turkey’s predictable resistance, the Mitsotakis government has taken a decisive step in reclaiming environmental leadership and geopolitical clarity. By reinforcing Greece’s position within the EU and affirming national sovereignty, the Marine Parks are not only a victory for nature—but also a strategic message:  Greece protects not only its biodiversity—but also its boundaries.

Source: pagenews.gr