Libya has once again found itself at the centre of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean after Turkey strongly criticised Greece’s recent hydrocarbon exploration agreement with Chevron, arguing that the move violates Libya’s declared maritime rights.
In a statement issued during its weekly briefing, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense said the agreement signed south of Crete contravenes international law and undermines the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Jurisdiction between Turkey and Libya. Ankara stressed that the Greek move also disregards Libya’s maritime boundaries formally declared to the United Nations on 27 May 2025.
The ministry added that although the activity does not directly affect Turkey’s continental shelf, it overlaps with areas Libya considers part of its maritime jurisdiction. It confirmed that Turkey will continue providing support to Libyan authorities in responding to what it described as unilateral and unlawful actions by Greece.
The 2019 maritime agreement between Libya and Turkey redrew boundaries in the Mediterranean, strengthening Libya’s claims in contested waters. Greece rejected the accord at the time, arguing that it ignored the presence of Crete between the Turkish and Libyan coastlines.
Earlier this week, a Chevron-led consortium signed exclusive lease agreements with Greece to explore for natural gas south of Crete, effectively doubling the maritime area available for Greek exploration. The deal comes as the European Union seeks to diversify energy supplies away from Russia, increasing competition over Eastern Mediterranean resources.
For Libya, the dispute carries significant political and economic implications. Maritime boundaries are closely linked to potential offshore energy revenues, which could play a vital role in stabilising the Libyan economy.
As Ankara and Athens continue their long-running rivalry over maritime rights, Libya remains a key stakeholder whose maritime sovereignty and energy prospects are directly affected by developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.