Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is set to travel to Tripoli, Libya, today, July 15, for high-level talks with officials from the Dbeibah-led government. The visit comes at a critical time, with two major issues dominating the agenda: migration and maritime boundaries.
Libyan Challenge to Greek Maritime Claims
The diplomatic mission follows closely on the heels of a formal note sent by Libya to the United Nations, in which Tripoli challenges Greece’s delineation of its maritime borders—particularly the median line used to define exploration blocks southwest and south of Crete that have been offered for energy exploration licensing. This marks the first time Libya has officially laid claim to these areas, basing its stance on the contentious Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum signed in 2019.
Maps attached to the Libyan note show Tripoli’s proposed maritime boundary as a continuation of the Turkish-Libyan agreement—effectively erasing Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) south of Crete and calling into question even the maritime influence of Crete itself.
Political Fragmentation Hampers Dialogue
Reaching any agreement on these matters, however, remains a daunting task. Libya is a country divided, with two rival administrations: the internationally recognized but fragile Tripoli-based government, which is fending off insurgent attacks from militias; and the Benghazi-based faction, which seeks equal recognition and maintains close ties with Russia and Turkey.
EU and Greece Seek Stability Through Dialogue
Against this fragmented backdrop, both Greece and the European Union are striving to keep diplomatic channels open and establish common ground—no small feat in a region where geopolitical tensions continue to simmer just below the surface.
