The decision of the House of Representatives, which is linked to the general, to set up a Technical Committee on the study and possible approval of the demarcation of marine zones, is a critical and complex development with wide geopolitical, legal and diplomatic implications in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Historical and Legal Framework of Memorandum
The Memorandum was signed on November 27, 2019 between Turkey and the then GNA Government (GNA) of Libya, based in Tripoli under bucket al -Saraz. Its purpose was to delimit marine zones with the aim of establishing (EEZs) and energy cooperation.
However, the agreement was considered illegal in many ways, as it violates international law (UNCLOS), ignoring the existence of Greek islands, including Crete, and negatively affecting the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus.
The fact was a key argument for its invalidity. The Libyan Court of Appeal in Al-Bayda canceled it in November 2019, while Tobrouk’s House, under Haftar, had denied the Memorandum as illegal.
Political shift and reinforcement of relations with Turkey
The House of Representatives, who until recently maintained a negative attitude towards the Memorandum, seems to change cruise. Its decision to set up a Technical Committee on the study and possible approval of the Agreement marks a major political shift, which raises strong concerns in Greece and other international actors.
This change is linked to increased diplomatic contacts between Turkey and eastern Libya. In April 2025, the son of Lieutenant General Haftar, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haphtar, visited Ankara at the invitation of the leader of the Turkish land forces. Earlier, his other son, Belkasem Haphtar, had visited Turkey as General Manager of the Libyan Development Fund, expressing satisfaction with progress in the energy sector.
Turkey, through President and Minister of Energy Alpslan Bayraktar, has made it clear that Libya is a key goal for drilling and energy cooperation, enhancing its strategic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Athens’ attitude and diplomatic pending
Greece is of great concern about the possible recognition of the Turkolibyan Memorandum by the House of Representatives of Eastern Libya. The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stressed that the agreement is violating international sea law, ignoring the existence of the Greek islands and has no legal effect, as it has not been approved by the Libyan Parliament.
Despite the official positions, Athens has not shown the necessary attention in Libya in recent years. Relations with East Libya have been fully weakened, and relations with the Tripoli government are limited to absolutely necessary.
Reports indicate that Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis was planning a visit to Tripoli, acknowledging the importance of Libya because of the Turkish -tired Memorandum and the growing problem of migratory flows to Crete. However, the tense situation in the capital – especially due to the bayram and conflicts between armed groups – has delayed the finalization of the visit.
The Greek Ambassador to Tripoli, Nikos Garilidis, according to Libyan media, recently met with Libyan Foreign Minister Al Taher al -Baur to review bilateral relations and support for political stability in the country.
New geopolitical scene in the eastern Mediterranean
The possible approval of the Memorandum by Tobrouk’s House could legalize an agreement that to date is considered legally non -existent, changing balances in the Eastern Mediterranean and enhancing Turkish influence in an area full of competitions for energy resources.
The turn of Eastern Libya, which until recently was considered an ally of Greece to limit Turkish influence, creates new data and further complicates negotiations on marine zones.
Total valuation: Test for Greek diplomacy
The decision to set up a Technical Committee and the possible ratification of the Turkolibyan Memorandum by the House of Representatives of Libya constitute a significant overthrow in the country’s policy, with widespread consequences for security, energy and international relations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
This development:
- It strengthens the Turkish geopolitical presence and claim in the region.
- It calls on Greek sovereign rights and the law of the sea.
- It opens a new field of tension in Greek -Turkish relations.
- It is causing a revision of strategic alliances in Libya, with eastern Libya approaching Ankara.
- It highlights the need for enhanced diplomatic and legal reaction from Greece and its international allies.
The situation remains fluid and dynamic, with the next moves of the Tobruk, the Turkish government and Greek diplomacy largely defining the future of balances in the Eastern Mediterranean.
