Greece rejects Libyan maritime claims, urges dialogue on border delimitation

The Greek Government has lodged a verbal note with the UN Secretary-General rejecting what it termed as “Libyan claims” over two maritime blocks,south of Crete,asserting that the areas lie within its continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),in accordance with the median line principle and its maritime demarcation agreement with Egypt.

A parallel note was also dispatched to Libya’s Government of National Unity,inviting formal dialogue on maritime boundary delimitation and informing Tripoli of a designated Greek negotiating team led by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou. Greece strongly opposed what it described as Libya’s unilateral attempt to impose a median line that disregards the legal standing of Greek islands,particularly Crete,and criticized Tripoli’s reliance on its contested memorandum of understanding with Turkey,which Athens considers illegitimate.

Athens further recalled that exploration licenses for the disputed maritime blocks had been granted in 2014 and 2017 without prior Libyan objection,arguing this precedent supports Greece’s legal position. The Greek government maintained that,in the absence of a bilateral agreement,the median line principle remains the international standard. While firmly rejecting Libya’s claims,Greece reiterated its commitment to a diplomatic resolution,proposing the formation of a joint technical committee to initiate substantive negotiations. With the groundwork laid for constructive engagement,Athens concluded that the responsibility now rests with Tripoli to respond in kind.