Greece Announces First MSP, Turkey Rejects and Releases 'Blue Homeland' Plan for Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean

Greece has announced its first-ever Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), detailing the country's maritime zones and rights, including full maritime rights for all Aegean islands such as Kastellorizo. The plan, which was released by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Environment and Energy, includes a map that outlines Greece's territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), and potential maritime boundaries with neighboring countries, extending up to 12 nautical miles in some areas. In response, Turkey has rejected Greece's MSP, asserting that it infringes on Turkey's maritime jurisdiction in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Greece's unilateral actions and claims will have no legal consequences for Turkey, emphasizing the need for cooperation between coastal states in these seas. Turkey also referenced the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness as a basis for resolving issues. Turkey has also released its own MSP, which is based on the concept of the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine. This plan includes areas that Turkey claims as its maritime jurisdiction, notably splitting the Aegean Sea in half. The Turkish MSP is nearing completion and aims to protect Turkey's maritime rights and optimize marine use. Turkey plans to submit its MSP to UNESCO and the relevant bodies of the United Nations.