Türkiye Rejects Greek Renewable Energy Framework in Aegean Sea

The Government of Türkiye rejected the legal implications of a Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources announced by Greece on August 19, 2026. The Greek framework designates restricted zones for offshore wind and solar projects across the Aegean Sea, an area long subject to sovereignty disputes between the two NATO allies.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated that the framework and similar unilateral initiatives have no legal effect on Türkiye's position regarding Aegean issues. Keçeli specifically highlighted disputes over geographical formations and islets whose sovereignty was not transferred to Greece through international treaties. He argued that international maritime law encourages cooperation between coastal states in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas and urged both nations to avoid unilateral actions.

Despite the rejection, Türkiye reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate with Greece to resolve outstanding disputes. Ankara maintained that such issues should be settled based on equity, international law, and the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness signed on December 7, 2023. The Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a public response to Türkiye's statements.