Greek members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have intensified calls for the European Union to consider sanctions against Libya amid growing tensions over potential maritime agreements involving Turkey and Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar, according to a report by Africa Intelligence.
The lawmakers argue that any new maritime deal between Ankara and Haftar could bolster Turkey’s influence in the eastern Mediterranean, a move that Athens views as a direct threat to its maritime rights and regional interests. Greece has repeatedly criticised previous Turkey-Libya agreements, claiming they violate international maritime law and ignore the rights of Greek islands.
The push for EU measures comes at a time when the bloc is navigating complex regional dynamics, particularly concerning energy security and maritime boundaries. With increasing competition over gas pipelines and naval influence in the Mediterranean, Greece is urging Brussels to take a firmer stance on Libya’s cooperation with Turkey.
Diplomatic sources in Brussels noted that Greek representatives are lobbying both the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to monitor developments closely. Athens believes that unchecked maritime cooperation between Libya and Turkey could destabilise the already fragile geopolitical balance in the region.
The European Union has yet to issue an official response to these calls. However, analysts suggest that any decision on sanctions or policy shifts would likely require consensus among all member states, many of which maintain strong economic and political interests in Libya.
The issue underscores the EU’s ongoing struggle to reconcile internal divisions while maintaining influence in the eastern Mediterranean. As energy exploration and maritime boundaries remain contentious topics, Greece’s latest move highlights its determination to safeguard its interests in the face of increasing regional competition.
