European Parliament debates Turkish provocations in Mediterranean

Members of the European Parliament are debating persistent provocations by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean seas. The discussions focus on unilateral claims, challenges to the sovereignty of Greek islands, and actions directed against the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the implications for the Cyprus problem.

Greece has reported recent airspace violations, including an incident on Tuesday involving seven Turkish aircraft, consisting of two F-16 fighter jets, a CN-235 surveillance aircraft, and four drones. Turkey disputes these claims, citing disagreements over Greece's airspace claims within 10 nautical miles of its coast.

In the eastern Mediterranean, tensions are exacerbated by energy interests and seabed surveys. Disputes involve the construction of the Great Sea Interconnector cable between Crete and Cyprus and Turkish seabed surveys for a natural gas pipeline. European Commission Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto emphasized that Turkey must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of EU member states, noting that while Turkey is a key NATO ally and EU candidate, constructive engagement is essential for regional stability.