CHP's Yankı Bağcıoğlu Makes Critical Call: 'It Must Be Legislated Immediately'

A critical call has been made for the immediate enactment of Turkey's Maritime Jurisdictions Law, with opposition lawmaker Yankı Bağcıoğlu emphasizing its strategic importance. Bağcıoğlu warned that delaying the law could significantly damage the state's credibility.

Initial reports suggested the law might address issues like islands and islets not ceded by agreements in the Aegean and the declaration of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Mediterranean. However, these claims were later downplayed, with explanations that the law was intended solely for domestic application. Bağcıoğlu criticized this, stating that "national rights and interests were once again sacrificed for domestic politics based on the calculation of a few votes."

Concerns are mounting as Greek media reports suggest the approval process for the Maritime Jurisdictions Law, also referred to as the "Blue Homeland Law," could be postponed until October due to technical reasons. Greece is reportedly framing this potential delay as a diplomatic triumph. Bağcıoğlu stated, "If the arrival of this law on the Turkish Grand National Assembly's agenda is indeed postponed to October and its content is limited to domestic regulations; it will be the biggest blow to the state's credibility."

The article highlights Greece's assertive maritime claims, referencing a map published in April 2025 that places a significant portion of the Aegean Sea within its sovereign area. Greece also reserves the right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles and claims sovereignty over islands and islets not ceded by treaties. This approach, based on the Sevilla Map, is presented as official state policy.

In contrast, Turkey has prepared its own Maritime Spatial Planning map, submitted through Ankara University's Center for National Research in Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) to UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. However, this work has not yet been elevated to the level of state policy or legal legislation. Bağcıoğlu advocates for the law to be passed quickly, suggesting it should at least include a "grey zone" status for the disputed islands and islets in the Aegean. He also proposes that after the law's enactment, Turkey should declare an EEZ in the Eastern Mediterranean, adopting an "announce first, then negotiate and agree" approach to gain greater diplomatic and legal maneuverability.