Source: European Parliament
The EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye.
In this context, the EU continues to expect Türkiye to respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all Member States and to unequivocally commit to and promote good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019[1], clearly stated that the Türkiye-Libya memorandum of understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states, does not comply with the Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for third states.
The EU’s position on matters regarding delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea has not changed. Delimitation of the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations in good faith, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea[2], having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice.
EU officials, including the High Representative/Vice-President , have continued to emphasise these positions in meetings with Turkish officials.