US and EU condemn Turkey-Libya maritime deal as Ankara courts Egypt

Key points

• The US State Department called the ratification of the Turkey-Libya maritime deal 'unhelpful and provocative,' urging bilateral negotiations between Greece and Turkey.
• The EU declared the agreement 'null and void,' stating it violates the Law of the Sea and infringes on the sovereign rights of third states like Greece and Cyprus.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan defended the deal as entirely legitimate, while Greece’s foreign ministry rejected it as having no legal effect.
• Turkey is now pushing for a new maritime delimitation agreement with Egypt to address Cairo’s objections and ease tensions in the region.
• The deal was ratified by eastern Libya’s parliament in mid-October, ignoring the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and angering regional allies of the US.

Background

This dispute stems from a 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya’s Tripoli-based government. The eastern Libyan parliament, led by military commander Khalifa Haftar, had previously boycotted the deal but unanimously ratified it on October 20, 2026. This move consolidated Ankara’s influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite opposition from Greece, Israel, and the EU, which view the deal as illegal and a threat to regional stability.

How outlets are covering it

The US State Department and the EU took a firm stance, with the EU declaring the deal 'null and void' and the US calling it 'provocative.' In contrast, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Firan defended the agreement as 'entirely legitimate' and legal. Greece and Israel strongly condemned the deal, with Greece’s foreign minister stating it produces no legal effects. Al-Monitor notes that Turkey is now courting Egypt to ease Cairo’s objections, while eKathimerini highlights the US’s cautious approach due to its commercial interests in the region, including Chevron’s presence in Libya and Crete.

Why it matters

The dispute over the Turkey-Libya maritime deal highlights ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where large gas deposits are located. The US and EU’s condemnation, along with the opposition from Greece and Israel, underscores the strategic importance of the region. Turkey’s push for a separate agreement with Egypt and its continued support for eastern Libya could further destabilize the region and complicate US and EU interests, including energy investments and security alliances.

What to watch

Turkey is expected to continue its efforts to secure a maritime agreement with Egypt, while the US and EU may monitor the situation closely. Greece and Israel are likely to maintain their opposition to the deal, and the US may use its influence to encourage bilateral negotiations between Greece and Turkey. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts could shape the future of maritime boundaries and energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.