Answer to a written question – Violation of the international Law of the Sea by obstructing cable laying between Greece and Cyprus – E-001193/2025(ASW)

The EU has stated repeatedly its deep concern about such actions and statements, expressing its expectation for Türkiye to de-escalate tensions in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean[1].

In particular, the Commission has underlined in the 2024 enlargement report on Türkiye[2] that, as stemming from obligations under the Negotiating Framework, Türkiye is expected to make an unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through the International Court of Justice. Türkiye must avoid threats and actions that damage good neighbourly relations and respect the sovereignty of all Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as all their sovereign rights, including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with EU and international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

This is essential to ensure a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Türkiye[3].

• [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/57442/2022-06-2324-euco-conclusions-en.pdf .
• [2] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/8010c4db-6ef8-4c85-aa06-814408921c89_en?filename=T%C3%BCrkiye%20Report%202024.pdf .
• [3] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/16679fa1-cb73-4481-bc02-e3620b8c6dd3_en?filename=Joint%20Communication%20to%20the%20European%20Council%20-%20State%20of%20play%20of%20EU-Turkiye%20political%2C%20economic%20and%20trade%20relations.pdf .