Turkey prepares draft law on maritime jurisdictions in Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey is drafting a new law intended to institutionalize its maritime jurisdiction claims in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, a concept often associated with the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine. According to reports cited by Bloomberg and Turkish media, the legislation aims to provide a formal legal basis for claims over areas potentially containing natural gas deposits. The Greek government, through spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, dismissed the move as having no value under international law, labeling it as a domestic political gesture. Greece maintains that maritime boundaries must be established strictly according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Energy consultant Charalambos Ellinas warned that formalizing these claims in domestic law represents an escalation that could increase regional instability. Meanwhile, MEP Elissavet Vozemberg has submitted an urgent question on the matter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. While anonymous sources suggest the law is a step toward solidifying Turkish claims, it remains unclear if specific maps are currently attached to the draft. Both Ankara and Athens continue to present conflicting views on the legality and implications of these legislative efforts.