Turkey's Ministry of Defense has rejected a new Greek zoning framework for Aegean renewable energy projects, claiming the plan produces no legal effect and reviving longstanding territorial disputes in the region.
The Turkish defense ministry stated in an official announcement that the Greek spatial initiative cannot affect Turkish positions or rights in the Aegean Sea. It directly questioned Greek sovereignty over various islands, islets, and rocky formations across the body of water.
According to the ministry, those geographic formations include areas whose ownership was never transferred to Greece under international agreements. The statement added that Turkey remains determined to protect its rights, interests, and concerns in the Aegean Sea within the framework of international law.
The announcement followed similar comments made on Wednesday by Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli, who expressed the same objections to the Greek project.
Greek Energy Framework
The dispute arose after the Greek government brought its Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources into force on Wednesday morning. The decision was enacted by Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, alongside Deputy Ministers Nikos Tsafos and Marilena Soukouli.
The Greek framework establishes legal terms and conditions for siting new renewable energy projects and storage facilities. It also incorporates specific safeguards intended to protect the natural environment, local island communities, and regional cultural heritage.
Sovereignty Disputes
The stance from Ankara revives the longstanding Turkish position regarding grey zones in the Aegean, referring to territories of contested status. Athens has consistently rejected the claim, insisting that sovereignty throughout the Aegean Sea is clearly established and governed by international treaties.
Greece and Turkey, both NATO members in southeastern Europe, have experienced diplomatic tensions for decades over Aegean maritime borders, airspace, and territorial rights. Greece has recently expanded its renewable energy infrastructure to harness wind and solar resources while enhancing regional energy security.
