Libyan parliament approves maritime memorandum with Turkey

On October 20, 2026, the Libyan House of Representatives, based in the country's east, unanimously approved the 2019 maritime memorandum of understanding with Turkey. This decision marks a significant shift as the parliament had previously rejected the agreement. During the same session, the body revoked two 2020 decisions that had sought to sever political relations with Turkey and reject the memorandum. Additionally, Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah met with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Tripoli to discuss security, migration, and regional stability.

Greece, Cyprus, and the European Union immediately condemned the move, describing the agreement as illegal, null, and void. Athens labeled the act as a violation of the Law of the Sea and stated it disregards the sovereign rights of Greek islands. In response to Turkish regional activities, Greece issued its own Navtex after Turkey challenged geophysical research areas. Ankara, conversely, hailed the decision as a diplomatic victory that strengthens its "Blue Homeland" doctrine in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Diplomatic efforts continue as Greece consults with regional partners like Egypt, while the EU has reaffirmed its solidarity with Athens and Nicosia. Turkey maintains that the agreement is based on international law and intends to continue its activities in the region despite international pushback.