Greek PM asserts right to extend maritime jurisdiction to 12 nautical miles

What happened

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated on 18 September that Greece possesses a legal right under international law to extend its maritime jurisdiction to 12 nautical miles. According to his remarks, this right is guaranteed by international law and is not subject to legal dispute. Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece may exercise this right at any time it determines conditions are appropriate.

Context and assessment

Greece's potential extension of territorial waters to 12 nautical miles represents a significant maritime dispute lever in the Eastern Mediterranean. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, coastal states may claim 12-nautical-mile territorial seas, but Turkey contests Greece's ability to do so in the Aegean Sea, claiming it would violate Turkish rights. The statement follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric between Athens and Ankara, with Mitsotakis having responded to Turkish statements on 18 September by rejecting threats, and commenting the previous day on deteriorating Turkish discourse. The timing suggests the maritime jurisdiction claim remains a central point of contention between the two NATO members.

Sources and confidence

Reported via X by @ConflictTR on 18 September. Single-source reporting limits independent verification of the exact wording and context of Mitsotakis's statement. Confidence score of 6.0 reflects the official nature of a prime ministerial statement but the single reporting channel. Confirmation via Greek government statements or multiple news outlets would strengthen confidence.

Location

Athens, Greece, where the Prime Minister's office is located. The statement concerns maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, though it was made in the Greek capital at settlement-level precision.

Related events nearby

• Greek PM Mitsotakis states Greece conducts foreign policy through actions, not statements, and will not accept2026-09-17 18:48 UTC · Statement · Athens, Greece

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