Brussels Draws a Red Line: Von der Leyen and Costa Reject the Libya–Turkey Maritime Deal
The European Union has now moved beyond expressions of concern.
The European Union has now moved beyond expressions of concern.
Libya’s eastern parliament endorses the controversial 2019 maritime agreement with Ankara, reshaping the geopolitical balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Athens rejects the deal as legally invalid, while the Haftar family’s rapprochement with Turkey raises fresh questions over Greek maritime rights, offshore energy exploration and the Great Sea Interconnector.
Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirm Europe’s opposition to the memorandum as Athens coordinates with Cairo and Nicosia — Ankara welcomes Libya’s parliamentary approval and invokes its “Blue Homeland” policy.
Athens says the Libyan parliamentary decision does not alter the memorandum’s invalidity, informs partners and allies, and pledges appropriate action to safeguard Greece’s sovereign rights.
In a major geopolitical reversal, Libya’s eastern-based parliament has approved the controversial 2019 maritime agreement with Turkey, according to Reuters, reversing its previous opposition. Ankara’s growing influence over Khalifa Haftar’s political camp raises new questions about maritime sovereignty, energy exploration south of Crete and the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkish newspaper Aydınlık brings the controversial Turkey–Libya maritime agreement back into focus, highlighting Libyan claims over offshore exploration blocks south of Crete and warning of a potential freeze in diplomatic talks with Athens.
Eastern Libya’s policy shift, Turkey’s assertiveness, and the growing geopolitical concerns in the Eastern Mediterranean