Tensions have resurfaced in the eastern Mediterranean after the Libyan Government of National Unity officially protested a recent Greek decision to open an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete. The tender, announced via the European Union on June 12, 2025, invites bids for exploration and exploitation licenses in areas that Tripoli claims include disputed maritime zones.
In a statement, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed “grave concern”, arguing that the initiative constitutes a “clear violation” of Libya’s sovereign rights. The ministry emphasized that any exploration in these waters should be preceded by a legal agreement, based on international law, to resolve overlapping maritime claims.
The issue arises as Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis prepares for visits to both Tripoli and Benghazi in early July. These visits are intended to engage with Libya’s rival administrations—both the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and the eastern-based authorities allied with General Khalifa Haftar. Greek diplomats have suggested that renewed dialogue on maritime boundaries could be proposed, and, if necessary, the dispute might be referred to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as Libya has done in past cases involving Malta and Tunisia.
In the lead-up to the visits, Greece’s ambassador and consul general held talks with senior officials in eastern Libya. Reports indicate that representatives there reaffirmed their opposition to the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, an agreement signed in 2019 that outlines exclusive economic zones between the two countries but has been contested by Greece and other states in the region.
Turkey’s Engagement
Turkey continues to play an active role in the evolving situation. On Wednesday, Libyan Energy Minister Mohamed Abdel Sadiq met with the Turkish ambassador in Tripoli to discuss expanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector. According to the Libyan energy ministry, the talks explored potential collaboration between the Libyan National Oil Company and Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), as well as opportunities for greater Turkish investment in Libya’s energy sector. Similar themes were raised last month during a meeting between the Libyan minister and Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in Istanbul.
Greece’s Position
Greece maintains that its actions are consistent with international law. The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy has underscored that Athens is exercising its sovereign rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Greek officials state that while Greece remains open to dialogue with all parties, respect for international legality is an essential condition.
Regional Implications
The development coincides with reports that Libya’s House of Representatives, based in the east and associated with General Haftar, may be reconsidering its stance on the Turkey-Libya maritime deal. This raises concerns about shifting dynamics in the region, particularly as multiple stakeholders—including Greece, Libya, Turkey, and other Mediterranean nations—navigate overlapping claims and strategic interests in contested waters.
