Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Loverdo declared on Thursday that proposed Turkish maritime parks in the Aegean Sea are legally void and without legal effect.
Speaking in an interview on Greek national broadcaster ERT on 20 August, Loverdo described the Turkish plans as a negative development while reaffirming that Athens will take all defensive measures required to protect its national sovereignty.
The Aegean Sea, situated between mainland Greece and Turkey, has long been a focal point of maritime boundary disputes between the two neighboring North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. Greek officials maintain that unilateral territorial claims by Ankara violate international law and ocean conventions.
Loverdo stated that Greece actively seeks good neighbourly relations with Turkey, but stressed that achieving stability requires reciprocal willingness from Ankara. He added that Athens is keeping international partners and allies fully informed of Turkish activities in the region.
The minister also cautioned against using foreign affairs for domestic political gains. He remarked that foreign policy is not conducted through shouting or emotional outbursts, adding that effective diplomacy demands long-term consistency and responsibility.
His comments follow statements by Greek politician Dimitris Hatzivasileiou, who similarly rejected Turkey's maritime park claims as illegal and legally void while addressing reports regarding potential Iranian security threats.
Defence Strategy and Regional Security
When asked about the potential repositioning of Greek military defence systems, Loverdo declined to comment directly on specific recommendations submitted by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
He explained that operational military decisions fall under the authority of the Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defence, known as KYSEA. The council, which serves as Greece's supreme national security body, adjusts defence postures as changing geopolitical circumstances dictate.
Loverdo emphasized that Athens will implement all actions necessary to safeguard national interests, highlighting Greece's ongoing security commitments and diplomatic support for Cyprus and Bulgaria.
Turning to global affairs, the deputy minister expressed growing concern over international stability. He warned of the risk of a broader economic crisis arising from the persistent global energy crunch, noting that high fuel and oil prices are already placing a heavy financial burden on daily household budgets.
Energy Projects and International Relations
Addressing the subsea electricity interconnection project designed to link the power grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, Loverdo described the idea of Turkish interference as unthinkable.
The cross-border energy infrastructure project, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, aims to eliminate the energy isolation of Cyprus by connecting Mediterranean electrical grids through high-voltage underwater cables.
Loverdo noted that the transmission project enjoys complete financial support and backing from the European Union, alongside strong diplomatic endorsement from the United States and Israel. He asserted that research work will proceed as planned and that the infrastructure will be completed in due time.
Regarding a reported defense and economic agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, Loverdo acknowledged that while Athens does not welcome the development, Greek officials do not view it as an immediate security threat. He emphasized that bilateral relations between Greece and Saudi Arabia remain excellent.
Economic Policy and Political Outlook
Looking ahead to the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair, Loverdo argued that the annual event should not be viewed as a platform for economic handouts.
The Thessaloniki International Fair, held every September in Greece's second largest city, traditionally serves as the venue where the Greek government outlines its upcoming fiscal agenda and economic priorities.
Loverdo stated that future economic measures must remain targeted and strictly aligned with fiscal realities, warning that the state budget has no capacity for bold financial interventions beyond what the economy can safely sustain.
On the rising cost of living, the minister acknowledged that price inflation remains a global challenge. However, he stressed that the government must focus on curbing price gouging and dismantling oligopolistic practices in the domestic marketplace.
Discussing the domestic political scene, Loverdo noted that the ruling New Democracy party continues to lead national opinion polls. However, he acknowledged that the party does not currently hold the poll numbers needed to secure an outright parliamentary majority.
Loverdo remarked that New Democracy's greatest enemy is its own worst self. On the timing of the next national election, he estimated that voters could head to the polls in the spring of 2027, without ruling out the possibility of a vote later that spring.
Regional Crime and Local Incidents
In other developments reported across Greece, parents in the suburban Athens municipality of Agios Dimitrios have shared an emotional account following a violent stabbing attack that left their 18-year-old son injured.
In northern Greece, law enforcement officers in Kozani captured a 33-year-old escaped convict who had broken out of the Kassandra agricultural prison in Halkidiki. Police also arrested an alleged accomplice during the operation.
In downtown Thessaloniki, a building balcony collapsed into the street, damaging property below but causing no injuries. An eyewitness described the impact noise as sounding like an earthquake.
Meanwhile in West Attica, Greek Police conducted a large-scale law enforcement operation in Aspropyrgos, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals on charges related to electricity theft.
