Turkey criticizes Greece's 'marine park' designation in Aegean as geopolitical power play

Turkey has strongly criticized Greece's recent designation of "marine parks" in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, characterizing the move as a geopolitical maneuver rather than a genuine environmental initiative. Ankara argues that these designations, announced on July 21, 2025, for a maritime area between the islands of Milos and Levitha, are strategically aimed at expanding Greece's sphere of influence.

While Greece justified the parks on grounds of ecological protection, banning bottom trawling, and safeguarding marine ecosystems, Turkey contends that the initiative serves to create "faits accomplis." Specifically, Turkey alleges that the move seeks to solidify claims over islands, islets, and rocks whose sovereignty was not transferred to Greece by treaty, indirectly supporting the controversial "Seville Map."

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by emphasizing the need to avoid unilateral actions in semi-enclosed seas like the Aegean and Mediterranean. Ankara stressed that such environmental protection measures should not be used to unilaterally alter the status quo and that cooperation among coastal states should be prioritized.

Furthermore, Turkey expressed concerns that the marine parks could impose restrictions on freedom of navigation, access to high seas, and the activities of Turkish fishing vessels. While affirming its commitment to environmental protection and cooperation, Turkey's fundamental objection lies in the instrumentalization of environmental concerns for unilateral political gains.