Athens is sending a stern diplomatic message to Tripoli following Libya’s verbal note to the UN challenging Greece’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) south of Crete. Libya’s Government of National Unity bases its claims on the invalid Turkey-Libya memorandum, provoking a strong reaction from the Greek side.
According to diplomatic sources, Greece rejects any action based on invalid and unfounded agreements without grounding in International Law of the Sea. The official response to the UN will demolish the content of the Libyan communication, reiterating the country’s absolute opposition to the Turkey-Libya memorandum that flagrantly violates international legitimacy.
Libya’s maps “erase” Crete and completely ignore international law
Libya, with its verbal note of June 20, 2025, characterizes Greece’s tender for blocks south of Crete as a clear violation of its sovereign rights and a unilateral measure without legal basis. For the first time, Libya formalizes its EEZ claims in an official document, presenting maps based on the illegal memorandum with Turkey.
The disputed maps attached to the communication go so far as to nullify the influence of even Crete, completely ignoring international law. Tripoli characterizes the disputed areas as Libyan maritime zones, although it acknowledges that an unresolved dispute exists with Greece regarding EEZ delimitation.
Greek response and diplomatic strategy
Athens’ response is clear: no reaction will discourage the Greek government from exercising, responsibly and practically, the country’s sovereign rights. Diplomatic sources remind that Greece has repeatedly expressed its intention for dialogue with Libya, based on the Law of the Sea, when conditions permit.
According to information, Libya’s submission of the communication to the UN was anticipated by Athens. The Libyan side seeks to secure its positions internationally, reacting to Greece’s activation of blocks in which international energy giants are already involved.
The Libyan government uses the rhetoric of open dialogue while simultaneously insisting on claims arising from the illegal memorandum. The Greek side, maintaining diplomatic composure, will insist on the need for technical talks on EEZ delimitation, aiming for final resolution by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Party reactions and next steps
Domestically, opposition party reactions vary in tone:
• PASOK KINAL called on the government not to refrain from exercising sovereign rights
• SYRIZA accused the government of lacking a clear, coherent national strategy
• KKE emphasized that the development exposes New Democracy’s foreign policy
• Greek Solution spoke of a threat to national sovereignty
Athens is expected to submit its official response to the UN in the coming days, likely accompanied by corresponding maps and legal arguments based exclusively on International Law of the Sea. In any case, the Greek Foreign Ministry states it will not tolerate fait accompli and will continue the practical exercise of its rights in every area of Greek jurisdiction.
