Turkey prepares new legislation on maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean

The Turkish government is reportedly drafting a new law on maritime jurisdiction, which aims to codify its expansive claims in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean into domestic law. According to reports from Bloomberg and other sources, this legislative initiative seeks to institutionalize the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine by establishing a legal basis for Turkish claims over maritime zones, including areas with potential gas reserves. Charalambos Ellinas, an advisor to the Atlantic Council, suggests that moving from political rhetoric to formal legislation marks a significant escalation that may intensify regional instability. While Turkish media reports indicate the bill aims to formalize existing positions, it remains unclear if specific maps accompany the draft. This move is viewed as a strategic shift similar to the previous Turkey-Libya memorandum, potentially exacerbating long-standing disputes with Greece and Cyprus. Sources indicate that this initiative is considered a primary step in officially registering territorial claims that have previously only been asserted through declarations.