At a critical juncture for Greek-Turkish relations, the Bulgarian capital is preparing to host a meeting of particular political and diplomatic interest this coming Wednesday, June 10. On the sidelines of the Summit and ministerial meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia, a tête-à-tête between Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan is expected—barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Although the meeting has not been officially scheduled, diplomatic sources note that the presence of both ministers at the same Summit makes a private meeting and conversation extremely likely. Despite the fact that there has been no direct communication between the two men recently, Athens conveys that communication channels remain “open and active at many levels,” with the permanent goal of safeguarding stability and cultivating good neighborly relations.
Gerapetritis-Fidan tête-à-tête: The “Blue Homeland” at the center of the Greek-Turkish agenda
The meeting, however, is not expected to be without clouds. The issue causing the greatest nervousness lately concerns information about Turkey’s legislation of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine by Ankara, which, despite reports of a postponement of a few months regarding its passage, remains on the table. Giorgos Gerapetritis, responding yesterday to a topical question from MP Alexandros Kazamias of the Free Course parliamentary group, characteristically stated that “I want to be absolutely clear that these issues, and as long as the content of the alleged bill is not known, should be addressed with particular seriousness, with frankness and, above all, with knowledge and competence, and we should avoid creating impressions out of nothing.”
Simultaneously, he reiterated that unilateral actions do not produce law or fait accompli and, as he said, “this does not mean that there is no proactive, active policy. Of course all allies and partners are informed. You should not expect, of course, that we will sit down to analyze in the chamber what actions are being taken, so as to ensure national rights.”
Turkey’s reactions
However, despite efforts to de-escalate tensions and the “lowering of tones” observed in recent days, thorny issues remain on the table. Ankara is closely monitoring the defensive strengthening of Greece and Cyprus, focusing particularly on Athens’ strategic cooperation with France and Israel.
Indeed, the Turkish Ministry of Defense issued warnings regarding the presence of French forces in Cyprus, speaking of a threat to regional peace. In an aggressive announcement, Turkey’s Ministry of Defense called on the Greeks “to think about increasing defense spending,” declaring itself ready to protect the interests of Turkey and Turkish Cypriots.
The “framework” of challenges also includes the issue of declaring marine parks in the Aegean and Dodecanese, as well as the possible extension of territorial waters south of Crete. The Turkish press, with sharp publications, accuses Greece of using the environment as a diplomatic “weapon.” Characteristic is the article in “Daily Sabah,” which mocks Athens, speaking of discovering a new weapon, “protected dolphins,” instead of gunboats. It notes sarcastically: “Greece, this ancient cradle of democracy and modern cradle of creative accounting, apparently discovered a new weapon in its long-standing territorial dispute with Turkey: the marine park. Not gunboats, not diplomats in inappropriate uniforms, but dolphins. Protected dolphins, no less.”
Critical test for de-escalation: the Gerapetritis-Fidan meeting
Within this climate, a Gerapetritis-Fidan meeting in Sofia constitutes a critical test for the resilience of the appeasement atmosphere. The clarifications that will be given—or will not be given—about the “Blue Homeland” bill will determine whether the current period of relative calm will continue or whether we will be led to a new phase of tension. Athens approaches with “knowledge and competence,” seeking to keep dialogue open, without however retreating from the red lines it has drawn.
