Turkey prepares legislation on maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and Mediterranean

Turkey is preparing a legislative bill to formalize its maritime jurisdiction claims in contested areas of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The legislation aims to establish a legal basis for Turkish claims over regions containing existing or potential natural gas reserves. This development, which was also reported by the newspaper Milliyet, is expected to heighten regional tensions, particularly with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, stated in parliament on May 6 that Turkey does not seek conflict but will respond strongly to any disregard for its maritime rights or the interests of Turkish Cypriots. Conversely, the United States has encouraged Greece and Turkey to maintain a dialogue to resolve these disputes. The European Union has previously warned Turkey of potential sanctions due to its offshore energy exploration activities. These claims regarding Cypriot maritime zones remain a point of significant friction between Ankara and Nicosia.