Turkey has declared that a new Greek spatial planning framework for tourism covering the Aegean Sea will have no legal consequences for Ankara.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement on August 7, 2026, following the signing of the Special Spatial Framework for Tourism in Athens earlier that day.
Turkish officials stated that the Greek framework includes islands and geographical features whose sovereignty was not ceded to Greece under international treaties. In practice, the statement reopens discussions surrounding gray zones in the region.
Objections to Unilateral Framework
The ministry stated that the framework's provisions carry no legal effect for Turkey regarding interrelated Aegean disputes. Ankara accused Greece of attempting to instrumentalize global values, including environmental protection, for political objectives.
Turkey asserted that such efforts are futile and will not alter its long-standing legal position. The statement emphasized that unilateral actions must be avoided in closed or semi-closed seas such as the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Call for Bilateral Cooperation
Citing international maritime law, the statement noted that coastal nations are encouraged to cooperate on environmental issues in shared maritime areas. Turkey stated that, as one of the two coastal states in the Aegean, it remains ready to work with Greece.
Ankara referenced the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness signed on December 7, 2023. Turkey reiterated its position that bilateral issues should be resolved through a sincere, comprehensive approach based on international law, equity, and good neighborliness.
