Greece Urges EU Intervention Over Turkish Unlawful Fishing in Eastern Mediterranean

Greece has formally requested the European Union to intervene regarding alleged unlawful fishing activities and violations of maritime law by Turkish fishermen in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. During a meeting in Athens with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, Greek Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias highlighted the provocative behavior of Turkey, emphasizing the non-respect for the law of the sea and disputes over sovereign rights. Kikilias asserted that Greek sea borders are inherently Europe’s borders, urging immediate EU action. This incident underscores the decades-long tension between NATO allies Greece and Turkey concerning continental shelf boundaries and maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea. While Turkey has challenged Greece's designated restricted fishing areas, the EU Commission maintains that coastal states hold primary enforcement responsibility, though it supports Greece with patrols and satellite imagery. Despite ongoing diplomatic friction and previous protests against Turkish maritime spatial plans, both nations continue to engage in talks aimed at demarcating maritime zones. Turkish officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on this latest development.