The tensions between Greece and Libya They have increased again, as the Tripoli National Unity Government accused Greece of violating Libyan maritime maritime rights, and shortly thereafter the commander, too, Haftardue to “violating the country on plots south of Crete”.
This is the first time that the two rival authorities of Libya, with one under the control of the hawfar, appear to be aligned, forming a common attitude towards Greece, in the wake of the use of Greek marine land.
According to the Libyan Foreign Ministry, parts of the designated research zones fall within what Tripoli considers disputed maritime areas. The ministry expressed “deep concern” and condemned the move as a “clear violation” of Libyan sovereignty, insisting that any activity in the region requires previous legal agreement in accordance with international law.
Through announcements by Libya’s “Foreign Ministries”, both sides of Tripoli and Benghazi call on the Greek government to suspend the process until a common solution to marine zones is accepted.
Although the Benghazi announcement does not make a clear reference to the Turkolibyan memorandum, the timing and content of the placement is estimated to intensify the challenges in view of the scheduled visit of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in early July.
The diplomatic rift came just a few weeks before the planned visit of Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to Tripoli and Benghazi in early July.
Greek diplomatic sources regard this visit as an opportunity to resume marine delimitation dialogue – specifically for the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones (EEZs). If bilateral talks fail, Athens could propose to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, as Libya has previously done in cases related to Malta and Tunisia.
Tensions are also fueled by increasing Libyan alignment with Turkey. On Wednesday, Libyan Energy Minister Abdel Sadek met with the Turkish Ambassador to Tripoli to discuss the strengthening of oil and gas cooperation. The discussions included the possible return of Turkish oil companies and the cooperation between Libya’s National Petroleum Company and Turkish TPAO.
In response, Athens argues that Greece is fully acting within its rights under International Maritime Law. The Ministry of Environment and Energy said the competition process respects international rules and reflects the country’s dominant power. At the same time, the Greek government reiterated that it is open to dialogue – but only in the context of international legality.
Adding to the complexity, the Libyan House of Representatives, aligned with military commander Khalifa Haphtar, seems to be approaching the ratification of the controversial Turkish-Libyan maritime agreement. The Memorandum ignores the legal influence of Greek islands, such as Crete, in maritime demarcation, a position that Greece categorically rejects.
The change of attitude of Haftar’s allies, which are traditionally regarded as opposed to Turkish influence, is regarded in Athens as a development with serious geopolitical implications. Greece has recently intensified its diplomatic commitment to North Africa, with the aim of offsetting Ankara’s extensive presence in the region.
The announcement by the Benghazi Foreign Ministry states:
“Libya’s government statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the Greek Communication on the launch of an international call for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons 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. “