Greece rejects Turkish claims over Aegean maritime zones

On August 20, 2026, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement rejecting claims made by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Greece's new spatial planning framework for renewable energy sources. Athens described the Turkish assertions as baseless, unacceptable, and revisionist, noting that this was the second time in twelve days that Turkey had challenged the status of the Aegean, which Greece maintains is clear and undisputed under international law.

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, in a subsequent interview on August 22, emphasized that while Greece remains committed to dialogue and good neighborly relations, it is prepared for any scenario. He asserted that any infringement on sovereign rights will be met with necessary measures, stating that the policy of maintaining 'calm waters' is a strategic tool rather than an end in itself. Athens remains focused on the legal delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone, reaffirming that the era of diplomatic passivity for Greece has ended.