Greece and Egypt discuss extending maritime zone toward Cyprus
Athens and Cairo are discussing a possible eastward extension of their partially delimited exclusive economic zones after eastern Libya's parliament approved the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum.
Balkan Spectator · Automated news desk Published Updated Event / data date: 2026-10-22
Greece and Egypt are discussing a possible extension of their exclusive economic zone delimitation eastward toward Cyprus, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said after eastern Libya's parliament approved the 2019 maritime memorandum with Turkey. [2][3]
Gerapetritis and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated their opposition to the Turkey-Libya accord. Athens and Cairo argue that it conflicts with their maritime claims and say any extension of their own 2020 partial delimitation would follow international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. [2][1]
ContextThe talks do not amount to a completed boundary agreement. Greece's objections and the proposed extension are diplomatic positions in an unresolved Eastern Mediterranean dispute rather than an adjudicated settlement. [2][3]
Added confirmed Greece-Egypt discussions on extending their partial EEZ delimitation eastward toward Cyprus following the Libyan ratification.
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Greece rejects Libyan approval of Turkey maritime deal
Athens rejected the eastern-based Libyan parliament's approval of a 2019 maritime boundary memorandum with Turkey. Greece said the accord had no legal effect and undermined stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greece rejected the eastern-based Libyan House of Representatives' approval of the 2019 maritime boundary memorandum between Turkey and Libya on 20 October, saying the accord had no legal effect.
The Greek foreign ministry argued that the memorandum violated the international law of the sea and infringed other states' sovereign rights because Turkey and Libya do not have opposite or adjacent coasts. These are Athens' stated legal positions, not an adjudicated finding.
Athens called on Libya to avoid actions it said could undermine stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also said partners and allies had been informed and that Greece would take measures to protect its claimed rights.
