Greek-Turkish tensions appear to be entering a new phase of heightened friction, as Ankara gradually returns to violations in the Aegean, while the resumption of work on the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection emerges as a major test.
According to Kathimerini, four violations by Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles were recorded, while a simulated air engagement also took place between armed Greek and Turkish F-16 fighter jets in the south-eastern Aegean.
12-nautical-mile expansion remains on table
Athens appears determined to manage its relations with Turkey carefully while maintaining the necessary resolve in the coming months.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated from Thessaloniki that the possibility of extending Greece’s territorial waters to 12 nautical miles remains on the table.
At the same time, the Greek government is moving ahead with the next steps for implementing provisions of the Marine Spatial Planning framework for the Aegean and Ionian seas.
The relevant decrees are expected to be published in the coming period, with Athens anticipating a reaction from Ankara.
The Greek side is also waiting to see whether the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan will submit a bill on the “Blue Homeland” doctrine to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, a move that could further intensify the dispute at both legal and political levels.
Greece-Cyprus interconnector a key test
A central issue on the ground remains the resumption of work on the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection, the Great Sea Interconnector.
The project’s progress is expected to test not only Greek-Turkish relations but also France’s position, as French group Meridiam now holds a majority stake in the company involved in its implementation.
Surveys related to the cable installation have previously caused tensions due to Turkish claims and the presence of warships in the area.
For Athens and Nicosia, the uninterrupted continuation of the project now carries broader geopolitical significance.
Greece, Cyprus and Egypt strengthen coordination
Against this backdrop, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in El Alamein.
A trilateral meeting involving President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides will also take place during the visit, with the aim of reaffirming the strategic cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt.
The main areas of cooperation are expected to be outlined in a joint communiqué at a time when developments in the Middle East and North Africa are reshaping regional balances.
Ankara is closely monitoring the diplomatic activity. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, announced by Cairo, is seen as indicative of Turkey’s interest in the developments.
Also read: Cyprus-Greece-Egypt summit held today
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