A new attack on Greece has launched Libya, this time not only by the recognized Tripoli government but also by the opposing administration of Benghazi under the commander. Happy Hafett. On the occasion of the international competition for the granting of licenses for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons south of Crete, the Greece’s government accuses Greece of violating Libya’s “sovereign rights”.
According to the official announcement of Foreign Ministry of the Haftar Government, The Greek notice published in the official EU newspaper (Issue 2025/3335/C, 12 June 2025) concerns areas that Libya considers disputed. The announcement calls on Athens to immediately withdraw the licenses and to take a dialogue to resolve the dispute.
More specifically the announcement of Benghaza government:
“Libyan government statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the Greek announcement on the launch of an international call for licensing and hydrocarbon exploitation in disputed maritime areas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan Government expresses its deep surprise and concern about what was published in the issue (2025/3335/C) of the official newspaper of the European Union, June 12, 2025, that the Greek Government has announced the Greek Government. of Crete, part of which is subject to a unresolved legal dispute with the state of Libya.
The Ministry confirms the inherent and inalienable Libyan right to exploration and utilize its hydrocarbons in its internationally recognized maritime areas, in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, which is an integrated legal framework that regulates all activities.
The Ministry also stresses that any activities to explore or exploit hydrocarbons in controversial areas or areas falling under the maritime jurisdiction of Libya, without its prior and explicit consent, will be considered illegal and aggressive acts and will entail all lawsuits. The escalation on the part of Greece would exacerbate tensions in the Mediterranean and prevent efforts to promote stability and international cooperation based on mutual respect for sovereignty and common interests.
As a result, the Ministry calls on the Greek Government: to immediately stop all the procedures related to the tender or assignment of any projects to explore hydrocarbons in marine areas falling under the sovereign rights of Libya. To abstain from unilateral measures.
To participate in a constructive and serious dialogue with the Libyan state to seek fair and equal solutions to the issues, in accordance with the principles of international law and the interests of all parties.
The Libyan state maintains all its legal rights to take the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and its natural resources, in accordance with international laws and rules. “
Greece acts under international law
OR Greece has taken actions with full respect for sea law (UNCLOS 1982), on the basis of which he has already set EEZs with several neighboring countries. The areas south of Crete fall into the Greek continental shelf and are located outside the spatial or exclusive zones of other countries, with Greece having every right to proceed with international invitations of interest in energy exploration.
Libya’s reaction – and even from its two political administrations – raises reasonable questions about what such statements are really serving. Especially when they come from Haftar, a factor that had traditionally good relations with Athens.
Greek-Libyan relationships: From cooperation to tension
Greece and Libya have had friendship and cooperation relations for decades, especially in the economic and energy sectors. Despite the turmoil that followed the fall of the Gaddafi regime, Athens maintained open channels of communication with both Tripoli and Benghazi. The visit of then Foreign Minister Nikos Dendia to Benghazi in 2020 and contacts with General Happere reinforced the image of a mutual understanding based on respect for international law.
The recent stance of the Benghazi government is in stark contrast to the climate that has prevailed until recently and gives the impression that it is affected by exogenous agents – mainly by Ankara.
Turkey’s role and the illegal Turkish-Libyan Memorandum
The escalation of Libyan claims cannot be considered independently of the so -called Turkish-Libyan Memorandum signed in 2019 between Ankara and the Saraj government in Tripoli. This memorandum, which attempts to create a “maritime border” between Turkey and Libya, ignoring the existence of Crete and other Greek islands, has been rejected by both Greece and the European Union as illegal and invalid.
The possible approach by the Haftht government with Turkish positions is surprising, as Haftar has traditionally been opposed to the Turkish influence in Libya. If today adopts similar rhetoric, it is likely to seek either negotiating rewardseither responds to internal or peripheral pressures.
Why does Happear turn against Greece?
The change of attitude of the General Happear to Greece may be related to the new geopolitical data in the Mediterranean. With Libya remaining with two governments, and with the control of natural resources being one of the main stakes, intervention in the maritime zones can serve Strengthening international legitimacy or to be message to third countriesincluding western powers.
However, his involvement in rhetoric against Greece may affect his relations with the EU. and countries that support international sea law.
Greece remains committed to the principles of international law and acts with transparency and legitimacy in the Eastern Mediterranean. Challenges and unilateral announcements, either from Tripoli or from Benghazi, cannot annul the Greek sovereign rights. On the contrary, they emphasize the need to continue Greece’s foreign policy with stability, documentation and international support.