The Libyan Parliament-designate Government has issued a strong condemnation of Greece’s recent announcement regarding an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration in disputed maritime areas south of Crete.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Libya expressed “deep astonishment and concern” over the Greek move, which was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 12 June 2025. The ministry warned that part of the proposed exploration area lies within a maritime zone that is still subject to an unresolved legal dispute with Libya.
The Libyan eastern-based government stressed its inalienable right to explore and exploit natural resources within its internationally recognised maritime zones. It cited the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the legal foundation for its claims. The statement further asserted that any exploration within disputed areas or maritime zones under Libyan jurisdiction, without prior consent, would be considered a hostile and illegal act under international law.
Libya warned that the Greek decision risks escalating tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and undermining regional stability. The ministry called on Athens to immediately halt all procedures related to hydrocarbon tenders in the contested areas. It also urged Greece to avoid unilateral actions and engage in constructive dialogue with Libya to resolve outstanding maritime issues fairly and peacefully.
The statement reaffirmed Libya’s commitment to defending its sovereign rights and protecting its natural resources. It emphasised that the government will take all necessary legal steps to ensure these resources are preserved for the benefit of future generations.
The statement concluded with a renewed call for international cooperation based on mutual respect and adherence to international law.
Notably, Libya’s rival government, based in Tripoli, said in a statement late on Thursday that some of the tendered sea blocks off Crete fell within disputed zones and were “a clear violation of Libya’s sovereign rights”. The Tripoli-based Foreign Ministry objected “to any exploration or drilling activities in these areas without a prior legal understanding that respects the rules of international law”, it said, calling on Greek authorities to prioritise dialogue and negotiation.
Responding to questions at the Greek parliament, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Greece was willing to discuss with Libya “the delimitation of maritime zones within the framework of international law”.
Gerapetritis is expected to visit Libya in the coming weeks, an official with the Greek foreign ministry told Reuters on condition of anonymity.