Escalates Ankara’s confrontation with the European Union, categorically rejecting criticism of turquoise of 2019. In response to Istanbul, it is noted that Turkey characterizes * “not useful for regional peace and stability” * the attitude of Brussels, trying to enhance the legitimacy of the agreement with Libya.

Turkey’s reaction to European Council conclusions

The official reaction came through a post by Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Ontzu Ketseli on X (Twitter), on the occasion of the conclusions approved by the European Council June 26th. Ketseli, in a sharp tone, criticized the EU for its attitude towards * “so-called” * Turkey-Libyan agreement, while turning against Greece and Cyprus, accusing them of * “maximalist claims contrary to international law”.

Insists on the legality of the memorandum with Libya

The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman described the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding as “completely legal agreement” *under international law, saying that Ankara *”will never allow its legal rights and interests to be infringed” *. He also emphasized that the EU’s * “prejudiced statements”, which * are “guided by political motives” * do not contribute to stability and peace in the region. It called on the Union to urge its members to comply with international law, warning that Turkey would continue to defend its interests in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkish discomfort for US surveys south of Crete

The escalation of Turkish statements is also related to fret that caused to Ankara the movements of American Chevron for Hydrocarbon Search south of Crete. The Turkish leadership is trying to respond to the new memorandum signed by the state energy giants of Turkey and Libya, which provides for oil and gas surveys in four marine areas. Also important was the first official one of the Turkish Minister of Energy, Alpslan Bayraktar, with his Libyan counterpart of Khalifa Abdulsadek in Istanbul after the signing of the new agreement.

“Silent Tension” in the Greek-Libyan line

The Turkish press points to the existence of *”silent tension” *between Greece and Libya, with spikes against Athens, which they accuse of “using the immigration as a pretext to send three warships between Turkey and Libya” *. It is also estimated that Greek actions are aimed at maintaining pressure, but are characterized by * “in vain” * on the Turkish side. The Turkish BBC service has shown that Greece raised the issue of the Memorandum at the EU Summit, but without a direct reference to the final document on the memorandum itself signed between Turkey and Libya in November 2019.