The European Commission has issued a fresh warning to Turkey over its actions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting continued challenges to Greek sovereignty, the controversial Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement and interference with the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnector.
In its latest enlargement report, published on Wednesday, November 4, Brussels acknowledged improvements in Greek-Turkish diplomatic relations since 2023 but warned that ongoing military activity, maritime disputes and tensions surrounding Cyprus continue to threaten regional stability.
The Commission called on Ankara to respect international law, abandon threats and provocations against EU member states and pursue peaceful solutions to outstanding disputes, including through the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
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Turkey’s military activity in the Aegean raises fresh concerns
The report highlights renewed Turkish military overflights above Greek islands and a significant increase in violations of Greek national airspace and territorial waters.
Some incidents involved inhabited Greek islands, with reported violations continuing as recently as September 2026.
Brussels also singled out Turkey’s longstanding casus belli, the 1995 declaration by the Turkish Grand National Assembly threatening war if Greece extends its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean.
The Commission recalled that Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) recognises the right of coastal states to extend their territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles.
It described Turkey’s continued threat as a major obstacle to improving relations between the two countries.
The report also raises concerns over Ankara’s demands for the demilitarisation of Greek islands, maritime navigation notices and challenges to Greek sovereignty and sovereign rights.
Turkey’s inclusion of the so-called Blue Homeland doctrine in school textbooks is also identified as a source of concern.
Brussels rejects Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement
The European Commission has reiterated its opposition to the 2019 Turkish-Libyan maritime memorandum, which seeks to establish maritime jurisdiction areas between Turkey and Libya.
The agreement was ratified by Libya’s House of Representatives in Benghazi in October 2026, bringing renewed attention to an arrangement strongly opposed by Greece.
Brussels maintains that the memorandum infringes on the sovereign rights of third countries, is incompatible with international law of the sea and cannot produce legal consequences for other states.
The EU’s position remains unchanged following the latest developments, with the agreement continuing to fuel tensions across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey accused of obstructing Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnector
The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the planned subsea electricity cable linking Greece and Cyprus, has also been highlighted in the Commission’s report.
Brussels states that Turkey has continued to obstruct survey activities connected with the project, which has been designated an EU Project of Common Interest.
The issue adds another dimension to tensions over maritime rights, energy security and infrastructure development in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The report also references Turkey’s objections to Greece’s deployment of a Patriot air defence battery on Karpathos, following concerns over the Iranian missile threat.
Further tensions emerged after Greece deployed F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus following a drone attack targeting British military bases on the island.
The Commission’s assessment highlights how wider regional security developments can quickly spill over into Greek-Turkish relations.
EU rejects Turkey’s two-state position on Cyprus
The European Commission has also delivered a strong message regarding the Cyprus issue, rejecting Ankara’s continued support for a two-state solution.
Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and continues to advocate a separate political arrangement for the island, contrary to relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Brussels reaffirmed that the Republic of Cyprus remains the island’s only internationally recognised state and called on Ankara to support a comprehensive and lasting settlement within the UN framework.
Particular attention was given to Varosha, the fenced-off area of Famagusta that has remained at the centre of international disputes.
The Commission demanded the reversal of unilateral measures announced in July 2021 and actions undertaken since October 2020, citing UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789.
The report also highlights a July 2026 cooperation memorandum between Turkey and the internationally unrecognised Turkish Cypriot administration concerning a proposed subsea natural gas pipeline.
The agreement was reached without the consent of the Republic of Cyprus.
Brussels further raised concerns over Turkey’s increased military presence on the island, drone flights and military exercises in Cypriot maritime zones.
Diplomatic dialogue has improved, but major disputes remain
Despite its criticism, the Commission acknowledged efforts by Athens and Ankara to improve bilateral relations since 2023.
These include renewed political dialogue, meetings between foreign ministers, confidence-building measures and the sixth High-Level Cooperation Council, held in February 2026.
However, Brussels stressed that diplomatic engagement has not resolved the fundamental disagreements between the two countries.
The delimitation of continental shelves and exclusive economic zones remains unresolved, while Turkey’s positions on the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean continue to raise serious concerns.
The Commission called on Ankara to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to good-neighbourly relations, respect international agreements and resolve outstanding disputes peacefully.
It specifically identified the International Court of Justice as a possible avenue for resolving maritime disagreements.
Turkey was also urged to refrain from threats and actions that undermine relations with EU member states and to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus, including their rights over maritime resources and exploration.
Brussels demands action, not just dialogue
The Commission’s report draws a clear distinction between improved diplomatic relations and a lasting resolution of the disputes.
While welcoming continued communication between Athens and Ankara, Brussels makes clear that dialogue alone is insufficient without concrete respect for international law and the sovereign rights of EU member states.
The warning comes as Greece and Cyprus continue to face challenges involving maritime jurisdiction, energy infrastructure, military activity and Turkey’s regional ambitions.
For Brussels, lasting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean will depend on Turkey translating diplomatic engagement into tangible actions that respect international law and the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus.
