Turkish defence minister’s sovereignty claims trigger EU inquiry over Greece and Cyprus

Turkey’s defence minister Yaşar Güler reiterated claims that the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus belong to Turkey, dismissing the legal foundations of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty. In response, Greek MP Manolis K. Kefalogiannis lodged a formal question with the European Commission, asking whether the EU will condemn the minister’s statements, assess the risk of a casus belli, and consider sanctions if Turkey continues its revisionist policy.

The Greek defence ministry rebuffed the remarks, and the U.S. ambassador to Greece affirmed unwavering support for Athens. The episode coincided with Turkey’s illegal NAVTEX notices and the upcoming naval drill “Thalassolykos 2” in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, heightening regional tensions.

Greek authorities stress that any disputes must be settled in established international bodies such as the International Court of Justice, based on international law and the law of the sea.