Tensions between Greece and Turkey have recently been flaring up, over issues like overflights, the status of Aegean islands, maritime boundaries, hydrocarbon resources in the Mediterranean, as well as ethnically split Cyprus, Euractiv reports.
Ahead of the 2023 elections in Turkey, Turkish President Erdogan has accused Greece of of arming the demilitarised Aegean islands, something which Greece vehemently denies. The Greek government has stated it will not follow Turkey in its “outrageous daily slide” of statements and threats.
Now also the EU institutions have waded in, as the EU’s European External Action Service has issued a stark warning towards Turkey, with a spokesman stating:
“The continuous hostile remarks by the political leadership of Turkey against Greece and the Greek people raise serious concerns and fully contradict much needed de-escalation efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean called for in the Conclusions of the European Council from March and June 2021 and June 2022.
The European Union has repeatedly stressed that differences need to be settled peacefully, in full respect of international law and of countries’ vital and legitimate interests. Threats and aggressive rhetoric are unacceptable and need to stop. Engagement in a meaningful and sincere dialogue is indispensable for defusing tensions, promoting mutual understanding and developing good neighbourly relations.
The EU reiterates its expectation from Turkey to seriously work on de-escalating tensions in a sustainable way in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU Member States.”
Turkey: Ongoing hostile remarks against 🇬🇷 raise serious concerns & contradict the need 2 de-escalate in EastMed.Threats & aggressive rhetoric R unacceptable & must stop.🇪🇺 expects 🇹🇷 to de-escalate,respect sovereignty & territorial integrity of 🇪🇺 members https://t.co/qCEGLeZwEP
— Peter Stano (@ExtSpoxEU) September 5, 2022