An unexpected complication has emerged ahead of Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis’ planned visit to Libya, where he was due to hold meetings in both Tripoli and Benghazi. Tensions flare with Libya over offshore licensing south of Crete when the interim Libyan government issued a sharp statement accusing Greece of violating its sovereign rights by launching a licensing process for two hydrocarbon plots south of Crete.
Athens responded promptly. Sources from the Ministry of Energy stated:
“Greece exercises its sovereign rights in full accordance with international law and the Law of the Sea. The government remains open to dialogue—but only within the framework of legality. We are not afraid to defend our rights. The Foreign Minister will visit Libya soon.”
Libya’s Objection
In an official statement, the Libyan Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the 12 June 2025 announcement by Greece in the EU gazette, regarding an international tender for exploration and exploitation rights in areas south of Crete—some of which, Libya claims, fall within maritime zones disputed by Tripoli.
The Ministry stated that Greece’s actions constituted a “clear violation of Libya’s sovereign rights”, and that any such activities must be preceded by a legal agreement that respects international law. It emphasised Libya’s aim to promote cooperation and peace in the Mediterranean, cautioning that unilateral actions would only heighten tensions.
The statement urged Greece to consider the depth of historical relations between the two nations and called for constructive dialogue as the only viable path forward.
Context and Implications
Athens had expressed interest in maintaining balanced diplomatic ties with both Western and Eastern Libya, aiming to restore high-level communications. This comes amid reports that the Tobruk-based Parliament may soon move to ratify the controversial Turkish–Libyan Memorandum.
Until now, Greece had seen no formal objections to the licensing of the two blocks south of Crete, which are based on the median line principle but partially overlap with zones Libya claims under the Turkish agreement. US energy giant Chevron has reportedly shown interest in the exploration rights.
Tripoli’s reaction appears to be a response to Greece’s renewed outreach to Eastern Libya and inadvertently revives the debate over the Turkish–Libyan maritime deal. However, the diplomatic tension may also open the door to fresh negotiations over the delimitation of maritime zones. Athens is reportedly considering a formal proposal to both sides in Libya to resume talks, potentially with a view to resolving the dispute at the International Court in The Hague, as Libya has done in the past with Malta and Tunisia.
Following contacts between the Greek ambassador to Tripoli, Nikos Garilidis, and Consul General Mr Kalognomis with the Speaker of the House, Aguila Saleh, a visit to both Tripoli and Benghazi was scheduled for early July. The programme includes meetings with the Tripoli government, General Haftar, and the Foreign Minister of the Eastern Libya administration.
Sources in Tobruk continue to insist that their position on the Turkish–Libyan Memorandum remains unchanged.
