Gerapetritis: “Territorial waters expansion will come, just like marine parks did”

Greek Minister of State Giorgos Gerapetritis announced in Parliament the expansion of Greek territorial waters in the Aegean, framing it within a strong political narrative: “It will come just like the marine parks and spatial planning did.” This statement highlights the government’s strategy on a key national issue, referencing recent successes to strengthen credibility for extending maritime zones.

Gerapetritis emphasized the strengthening of Greece’s national position and the consolidation of Greek arguments under international law. He noted that Greece now holds tools that were previously unavailable, citing legislation on marine spatial planning, bilateral agreements with Egypt and Italy, and initiatives on marine parks — all elements of an active policy to defend sovereignty. 

“We have Marine Park Aegean 1, and Marine Park 2 will come,” he said, highlighting that the 12-nautical mile expansion and previous bilateral agreements were achieved through careful planning and stability — and similarly, the territorial waters expansion will follow the same principle.

National “red lines” and dialogue with Turkey

While reaffirming Greece’s willingness to continue dialogue with Turkey, the minister stressed that no concessions will be made on matters of sovereignty. This comes in response to Turkish rhetoric regarding the “Blue Homeland,” which, as he noted, remains a factor but Greece now has recorded positions and European legal backing for its maritime zones.

This approach positions Greek foreign policy on a line of firm negotiation combined with protection of national interests, balancing sovereignty with the need for international dialogue.

Political context

The announcement that territorial waters expansion will come “like the marine parks” serves primarily as a political message of strength and cohesion rather than an immediate commitment. In light of ongoing geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, Greece is asserting decisiveness while maintaining stability, balancing national security with international negotiation.

Through this strategy, the government signals that major geopolitical initiatives — including marine parks, spatial planning, and maritime delimitation agreements — are preparing the ground for the anticipated territorial waters expansion, simultaneously strengthening Greece’s diplomatic standing in the wider region.

Source: pagenews.gr