The European Union’s 27 member states have unanimously condemned the ratification of the Turkish-Libyan maritime memorandum, declaring that the agreement violates the sovereign rights of third countries and cannot produce legal effects against them.
The strong statement, issued by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on October 21, follows the Libyan House of Representatives’ ratification of the 2019 agreement on maritime jurisdiction in the Mediterranean.
The unanimous position represents a significant diplomatic development for Greece and Cyprus, which have long opposed the deal over its implications for maritime boundaries and sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“The EU’s position on the Memorandum of Understanding is firm and clear,” the statement said, reiterating conclusions adopted by the European Council in December 2019 and June 2025.
The EU maintains that the memorandum violates the sovereign rights of third states and does not comply with the international law of the sea.
It further states that the agreement is “null and void” and cannot produce legal effects for third countries.
The bloc called on all countries to respect the sovereign rights of EU member states and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Greece takes dispute to the United Nations
Athens has also raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council, underlining its concerns over the potential consequences for regional security and stability.
Following instructions from Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, briefed the Security Council during closed consultations under the “Any Other Business” agenda item.
The briefing focused on the Libyan parliament’s decision and the risks Greece says it poses to peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The diplomatic move signals that Athens intends to challenge the agreement through international institutions while seeking broader support for its position.
Brussels backs Greece and Cyprus
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have also condemned the ratification, expressing solidarity with Greece and Cyprus.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has separately voiced support for the two EU member states.
Kallas also raised the issue with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a meeting on October 21, reiterating the EU’s position that the agreement infringes on the sovereign rights of third countries.
The unified response from the EU’s institutions reinforces the bloc’s longstanding opposition to the memorandum and places renewed diplomatic pressure on Ankara and Tripoli.
Egypt and Israel join condemnation
The agreement has also drawn strong objections from Egypt and Israel, widening the diplomatic opposition beyond Europe.
Egypt categorically rejected the ratification, arguing that the memorandum violates international maritime law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Cairo said the agreement infringes on its sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.
Egypt also warned that it reserves the right to protect its interests under international law and respond to any attempt to violate them.
Israel likewise condemned the decision, warning that Turkey was once again acting in a way that destabilises the Eastern Mediterranean.
The reactions highlight the broader regional sensitivities surrounding maritime boundaries, energy exploration and competing claims in the strategically important waters between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
A renewed diplomatic challenge for Ankara and Tripoli
The 2019 Turkish-Libyan memorandum has been a persistent source of tension between Turkey and Greece, particularly over the maritime zones claimed by the two countries.
Greece argues that the agreement disregards the maritime rights of Greek islands and conflicts with international law. Turkey and the Libyan authorities supporting the arrangement have maintained their own position on the maritime delimitation.
The latest ratification has reignited the dispute, prompting a coordinated response from Brussels, Athens, Cairo and Jerusalem.
With the EU’s 27 member states now united in their formal opposition, Greece is seeking to strengthen the diplomatic and legal challenge to the agreement as tensions over maritime jurisdiction continue across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Source: ProtoThema, European Union statement and Greek diplomatic announcements.
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