Statement by the Spokesperson on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean

04.12.2019
Brussels

The European Union stands in full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus regarding recent actions by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean Sea. Turkey needs to respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all EU Member States, as stressed repeatedly by the European Council and in Council conclusions, most recently in June 2019.

The bilateral “Memorandum of Understanding” between Turkey and Libya of 27 November 2019 on maritime delimitation has not been made public. Further clarifications are needed on its content. We expect the text to be communicated to the European Union without delay.

It is imperative that the international law of the sea, the principle of good neighbourly relations and the sovereignty and sovereign rights over the maritime zones of all neighbouring coastal states, including those generated by their islands, need to be respected. All members of the international community must abide by these principles and should refrain from any actions undermining regional stability and security.

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)460 75 45 53