Diplomatic tension in the Mediterranean over the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum

On October 20, 2026, the Libyan House of Representatives ratified the 2019 memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya concerning the delimitation of maritime zones. In response, a coalition comprising Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union issued a joint statement at the United Nations, declaring the agreement null and void. Represented by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, the group asserted that the memorandum violates international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and does not create legal obligations for third states.

The ratification has reignited regional tensions, with Turkey actively attempting to incentivize Egypt to pursue a separate maritime delimitation agreement with Ankara. The Turkish Ministry of Defense claimed that such a pact would grant Egypt an additional 15,000 square kilometers of maritime jurisdiction compared to a deal with Greece. While the Libyan government in the east has shown signs of engaging in potential negotiations with Cairo to address maritime boundaries in accordance with international law, analysts suggest that Turkey's regional influence is being tested. Meanwhile, reports have circulated regarding the potential departure of Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar to Dubai, though these claims remain unconfirmed. Diplomatic efforts continue as regional powers navigate shifting alliances and concerns over maritime energy infrastructure security.