Turkey prepares new maritime jurisdiction legislation

The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced it is finalizing a framework bill regarding maritime jurisdiction zones, intended to address gaps in domestic law and define official responsibilities. The proposed legislation is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly after the Eid al-Adha holiday, which concluded on May 30. Turkish officials, supported by the opposition CHP party, frame the move as a necessary step to codify the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias condemned the initiative, stating that unilateral actions violating international law lack international validity. Academic analysts suggest the move aims to provide internal legitimacy to Turkey's maritime claims in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean following recent initiatives by Athens and Nicosia. EU parliamentarian Loukas Fourlas has formally protested the move to European leadership, describing it as an attempt to institutionalize expansionist policy. The Turkish Ministry of Defense maintains that its armed forces will continue to protect national interests in these waters with determination.