Turkey criticizes EU summit learders' conclusions

(MENAFN) Türkiye has sharply criticized the conclusions of the European Union leaders' summit held on June 26, 2025, accusing Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) of persistently advancing what it described as “maximalist claims” at the expense of international legal norms.

According to a statement posted on social media by Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli, the summit outcomes reflect ongoing efforts by Athens and Nicosia to push maritime demands that Türkiye considers both unlawful and inequitable.

"The results adopted at the European Union (EU) Leaders' Summit held on June 26, 2025, demonstrate that Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) continue their efforts to impose their maximalist claims, which are contrary to international law and the principle of equity, on the EU," Keceli wrote.

He highlighted the 2019 maritime agreement between Türkiye and Libya as an example of Ankara’s lawful approach to the Eastern Mediterranean. The memorandum, which defines exclusive economic zones (EEZs) between the two nations, was labeled “entirely legitimate” by Keceli, who emphasized that it underlines Türkiye's stance on protecting its maritime boundaries.

Keceli also condemned the EU’s response as politically motivated and unbalanced, saying it ignored the complex legal and technical nature of maritime delimitation.

"The EU's biased statements, driven by political motives on a sensitive issue like maritime delimitation, which has legal and technical dimensions, do not serve regional peace and stability," he stated.

He called on the European Union to encourage all its members to align with international law rather than backing what Ankara views as baseless claims.

Reaffirming Türkiye’s determination, Keceli added that Ankara would continue to assert and protect its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean under international legal frameworks.

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