Following Greece’s strong diplomatic response, both Italy and Tunisia have now formally challenged Libya’s maritime claims in letters submitted to the United Nations. In May 2025, Libya filed a unilateral declaration with the UN outlining maritime zones based on the controversial Turkey–Libya Memorandum of Understanding — a move that immediately drew criticism, as its claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends into waters south of Crete and undermines Greek sovereign rights.
Mounting International Pressure
Italy has officially notified the UN via letter, rejecting Libya’s EEZ claims outright. Rome argues that the claims infringe upon its own maritime rights and cited prior rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to bolster its position.
Tunisia has taken parallel action, lodging its own formal protest with the UN. Tunisian authorities assert that Libya’s proposed maritime boundary is unlawful, excessive, and inconsistent with earlier ICJ decisions governing maritime relations between the two North African nations.
Significance for Greece
Athens views these developments as highly significant. The coordinated objections from Italy and Tunisia reinforce Greece’s legal stance against Libya’s claims and strengthen its broader effort to bring the maritime boundary dispute before the ICJ in The Hague.