Turkey has accused Greece of imposing unlawful restrictions on fishing activities in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean beyond its territorial waters.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey said maps published on the website of the Greek Fisheries Control Directorate depict fishing bans in areas where, according to Ankara, Greece “does not have jurisdiction,” arguing that such actions run “contrary to international law.”
The Turkish ministry described the maps as “invalid,” stating they “draw imaginary maritime borders” between the two countries in regions where “no defined boundaries exist,” while also “violating Turkish maritime jurisdiction.”
“The illegal restrictions imposed by Greece on fishing activities beyond its 6 nautical mile territorial waters, in areas where it has no jurisdiction and in international waters, are also invalid for Turkey,” the ministry notes.
“Turkey will not accept any unilateral and illegal action that targets the lawful activities of Turkish fishermen,” the statement emphasizes, adding that Ankara bases its position on international law and “historical rights.”
The Turkish ministry reiterated its support for a “sincere and comprehensive approach” to resolving disputes, grounded in international law, equality, and good neighborliness, referencing the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness of December 7, 2023.
Athens has been bracing for renewed strain in Greek-Turkish relations in 2026, as Ankara appears to be entering a phase of broader mobilization across multiple fronts.
Greek authorities have been anticipating an increase in violations and provocative practices, particularly by Turkish fishing vessels, which have in the past made incursions into Greek territorial waters in parts of the Aegean.
