What the Maritime Spatial Planning Means for Greece – A New Front in Greco-Turkish Relations

Greece’s decision to announce its Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), which sets the rules for organizing its maritime space, has already sparked a reaction from Turkey. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs described it as unilateral actions violating their jurisdiction in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. In an interview with newsit.gr, George Filis, a professor of Geopolitics, European Affairs, and the Middle East, explained that this move will help Greece organize specific sectors—environmental, tourism, and economic—within its maritime areas. He emphasized that this is a conventional obligation of Greece towards the EU. Regarding the impact on Greco-Turkish relations, Professor Filis noted that this initiative does not concern the declaration of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or the extension to 12 nautical miles but rather focuses on organizing maritime zones. By presenting this legal document internationally, Greece demonstrates its intention to fully exploit its EEZ, including the islands’ influence. While there is no official EEZ announcement, Greece highlights its intent to move in that direction. Filis also predicted that Turkey would attempt to promote and publish its own official map, noting that their unofficial map extends even further than what is defined by the ‘Blue Homeland’. He concluded that this action will certainly provoke a reaction and open a new chapter in Greco-Turkish relations.