Türkiye’s Strategic Move in the Aegean Alarms Greece

Ankara continues to reinforce its position on maritime rights and jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea not only through diplomatic statements but also via administrative and technical instruments. The issuance of NAVTEX messages valid for two years has emerged as a concrete reflection of this policy.

Concern in Greek Media

Greek newspaper e-Kathimerini described Türkiye’s NAVTEX, valid until December 31, 2027, as “unusually long.” The report highlighted that the move demonstrates Ankara’s determination to consistently uphold its core positions in the Aegean.

In the report, it was emphasized that Athens is alarmed by this NAVTEX, which demonstrates Türkiye’s determination to firmly maintain its core positions, using the following wording:

“Turkey is advancing its claims in the Aegean through a new practice of issuing long-duration navigational warnings, or Navtex, valid for two years through December 31, 2027, asserting authority to issue permits over roughly half the Aegean and claiming a demilitarized status for 23 Greek islands, moves visible to NATO allies.”

“A New Form of Challenge”

Citing Greek sources, the newspaper claimed that Ankara is pursuing a “new political and administrative challenge tactic” through long-term NAVTEX notices. According to the report, the aim is to solidify the perception that the entire Aegean east of the 25th meridian falls under Türkiye’s jurisdiction.

NATO Dimension Comes Into Focus

The report noted that Türkiye regularly raises its Aegean-related positions not only in bilateral relations with Athens but also on international platforms such as NATO. It stated that Ankara has conveyed these documents to relevant NATO authorities, leveraging its growing strategic importance to push Greece toward positions consistent with international law.

Twenty-Three Islands Listed by Name

NAVTEX No. 0880/25, issued by the Turkish Hydrographic Office, lists 23 islands by name—including Rhodes, Lesbos, Chios, and Kos—emphasizing that they must remain “permanently demilitarized.” This stance is grounded in the 1914 London Conference, the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, and the 1947 Paris Peace Treaties, which prohibit military activity in the territorial waters of these islands.

A Strong Message Ahead of Diplomacy

Greek media acknowledged that the timing of the NAVTEX ahead of the High-Level Cooperation Council meeting signals Türkiye’s intention to approach diplomatic talks from a position of strength. The coverage also noted that Greece has remained largely on the defensive, responding to Turkish NAVTEX notices primarily with counter-NAVTEX messages.

Through these two-year NAVTEX announcements, Türkiye has declared to the international community that its positions on maritime jurisdiction and the legal status of islands in the Aegean are not temporary reactions but a permanent policy grounded in international law.