The long-standing friction between Greece and Turkey stems from a complex mix of historical grievances and contemporary disputes over borders, resources, and sovereignty in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
Understanding the Core Disputes
The relationship between these two NATO allies is often characterized by periods of tension punctuated by efforts at dialogue. The disagreements cover various critical areas:
Key Areas of Contention
- Maritime Boundaries & Resource Rights: This is arguably the most significant current flashpoint. Disputes exist over the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. The presence of numerous Greek islands close to the Turkish mainland complicates maritime boundary calculations. Both nations assert rights to potential hydrocarbon reserves in these disputed areas. A significant aspect of this dispute is the differing interpretations of the maritime law. Turkey has not signed up to the Convention on the Continental Shelf nor the superseding United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which as of July 2024 has been signed by 170 parties, including Greece; as such, Turkey does not recognize the full effects of islands on maritime zones as stipulated by UNCLOS, leading to fundamental disagreements over where maritime borders should lie.
- Airspace Control: Disagreements over the Flight Information Region (FIR) boundary in the Aegean, military exercises in disputed airspace, and the alleged militarization of Greek islands near Turkey contribute to airborne tensions.
- The Cyprus Question: The division of the island of Cyprus following the 1974 Turkish intervention remains a major point of contention, impacting Greece-Turkey relations due to ethnic ties and guarantor powers status.
- Status of Certain Islands: The sovereignty of a few uninhabited islets, such as the Imia/Kardak rocks, has led to crises in the past.
- Minority Rights: Issues surrounding the treatment of the Greek minority in Istanbul and the Turkish minority in Thrace (Greece) are also sources of friction.
The Role of International Law
The differing legal bases applied by Greece and Turkey regarding maritime boundaries, particularly Turkey's non-ratification of UNCLOS, create a fundamental obstacle to resolving the disputes through international legal means based on that convention. Greece advocates for resolution based on international law, while Turkey prefers bilateral negotiations considering specific geographical circumstances.
These interconnected issues contribute to a complex and sometimes volatile relationship, requiring continuous diplomatic efforts to manage tensions and seek peaceful resolutions.
