Greek-Turkish Relations: Standstill and Potential Tension

Greek-Turkish relations are in a state of standstill, with academics and diplomats estimating that developments will depend on Chevron's moves south and west of Crete.

Navtex and statements remain at low levels, without causing tension. In the Marine Spatial Planning, Greece described the outer limits of its potential continental shelf and EEZ, keeping territorial waters at 6 nautical miles, possibly as a tacit agreement to avoid tension.

Marine parks bother Turkey due to restrictions on fishing, ship passage, and research. The Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection cable raises concerns on both sides, as information on potential research is required.

For Turkey, a key issue is the extent of territorial waters. Statements about flexibility for an agreement in the Aegean are considered an opportunity. The government, ahead of elections, finds it difficult to take initiatives.

The proposal for a multilateral meeting with Egypt, Turkey, Libya, and Cyprus is met with skepticism, due to issues of equal participation and potential Turkish dominance. Diplomats and academics emphasize the standstill and the need for some step, from either side, to see if there will be reactions.