Tensions are rising once again in Greek–Libyan relations, as the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity accuses Greece of violating Libya’s sovereign maritime rights. The latest escalation follows Greece’s announcement, via the EU, of an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration licences south of Crete.
According to Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, parts of the designated exploration zones fall within what Tripoli considers disputed maritime areas. The ministry expressed “deep concern” and condemned the move as a “clear violation” of Libyan sovereignty, insisting that any activity in the region requires prior legal agreement in accordance with international law.
The diplomatic rift comes just weeks ahead of a scheduled visit by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to Tripoli and Benghazi in early July. Greek diplomatic sources view this visit as an opportunity to reopen dialogue on maritime delimitation- specifically on the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). If bilateral talks fail, Athens may propose referring the issue to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as Libya has done previously in cases involving Malta and Tunisia.
The tensions are also fuelled by Libya’s growing alignment with Turkey. On Wednesday, Libya’s Energy Minister Abdel Sadek met with the Turkish ambassador in Tripoli to discuss strengthening cooperation in oil and gas. Talks included the potential return of Turkish oil companies and collaboration between Libya’s National Oil Corporation and Turkey’s TPAO.
In response, Athens maintains that Greece is acting fully within its rights under international maritime law. The Ministry of Environment and Energy stated that the tender process respects international norms and reflects the country’s sovereign authority. At the same time, the Greek government reiterated its openness to dialogue- but only within the framework of international legality.
Adding to the complexity, Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives, aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar, appears to be moving closer to ratifying the controversial Turkey–Libya maritime agreement. The memorandum ignores the legal influence of Greek islands such as Crete in maritime delimitation, a position Greece firmly rejects.
The shift in stance by Haftar’s allies, traditionally seen as opposed to Turkish influence, is viewed in Athens as a development with serious geopolitical implications. Greece has recently intensified its diplomatic engagement in North Africa, aiming to counterbalance Ankara’s expanding presence in the region.
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