Turkey, Greece Advance Maritime Spatial Planning Initiatives

Both Türkiye and Greece have recently advanced their maritime spatial planning (MSP) efforts, each seeking to define and regulate activities within their respective marine zones while asserting national interests. Türkiye's MSP, now reaching its final stage, aims to safeguard its rights in surrounding seas and aligns with EU legislation, though it notably reflects the 'Blue Homeland' doctrine by advocating the median line between Turkish and Greek mainlands as a maritime boundary, excluding islands from maritime zones. This Turkish approach, presented as a scientific study and not legally binding, underscores ongoing disputes in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, particularly following Greece's publication of its own MSP. Meanwhile, Greece has, for the first time, established a National Spatial Strategy for Maritime Space, mapping marine uses and fulfilling obligations under EU directives and international law. The Greek strategy emphasizes climate resilience, sustainable development, cultural heritage, and region-specific priorities, and incorporates existing EEZ agreements with neighboring countries. These parallel initiatives highlight persistent tensions and differing interpretations of maritime rights between the two countries.