GSI Project and Türkiye-Greece Maritime Jurisdiction Area Discussion in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Greek press evaluates the effects of the 'advance coordination' mechanism requested by Türkiye within the scope of the GSI project on maritime jurisdiction areas.
Quick Look
- The GSI project in the Eastern Mediterranean has reignited the debate on maritime jurisdictions between Türkiye and Greece.
- While Ankara requests coordination for activities on the continental shelf, the Greek side is worried that this will set a precedent for Türkiye's claims.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Maritime jurisdictions in the Eastern Mediterranean are a matter of long-standing dispute between Türkiye and Greece. The GSI project triggered a new diplomatic process through cable laying activities in this region.
The debate on maritime jurisdictions between Turkey and Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean has come to the agenda again with the Sea Connection Line (GSI) project, which is planned to connect Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC).
The Greek press wrote that Ankara's request for "prior coordination" could set a precedent for similar naval activities in the future.
Greece's To Vima newspaper stated that a coordination mechanism that could be established with Türkiye could be used as a basis for Ankara's theses regarding maritime jurisdiction areas in the future.
The newspaper wrote that the debate is not limited to the route of the submarine power cable. To Vima included the assessment that the regulations to be made within the scope of GSI "could set a precedent" for future activities in the same regions.
Türkiye WANTS "COORDINATION" NOT "PERMISSION"
According to the Turkish position quoted by To Vima, Ankara wants written communication to be established between the parties before the works within the scope of GSI and the process to be carried out within the framework of "consensus".
Türkiye's request does not mean making an official "permit application". Ankara wants cable and pipe laying works and scientific research to be coordinated in advance in the regions it sees as its own continental shelf.
The Greek newspaper reported that Türkiye defends this approach as a "coastal state" and opposes unauthorized activities in areas it considers to be its jurisdiction.
DIFFERENCE OF "NOTIFICATION" AND "COORDINATION"
On the Greek side, there is a difference between "notification" and "coordination". Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis argues that NAVTEX is a notification regarding maritime activities and security.
According to the assessment reported by To Vima, Athens is afraid that a mechanism to be established with Türkiye will be cited as an example for similar maritime activities in the future. The Greek side considers that such a practice could be used as a basis for Türkiye's claims of authority in the region.
GSI AND "BLUE HOMELAND" DEBATE
To Vima stated that the GSI project and Türkiye's approach to maritime jurisdiction areas in the Eastern Mediterranean intersect at the same point. The newspaper stated, "GSI and the proposed law intersect at the precedent level."
The Greek newspaper also linked Türkiye's stance on GSI with the "Blue Homeland" approach. To Vima wrote that Ankara is trying to make its views on maritime jurisdictions more institutionalized through domestic law.
EMPHASIS ON "PREVIOUS COORDINATION" FROM MSB
The Ministry of National Defense also announced Türkiye's stance on maritime jurisdictions and continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ministry stated that cable or pipe laying and scientific research activities on the continental shelf should be coordinated with Türkiye in advance.
Open Questions
- Will a written agreement be reached with Türkiye for the GSI project?
- How will Greece officially respond to the coordination request?
