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The cause of Turkey’s offshore exploration is tension
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has warned Turkey that it will face sanctions if it continues with its “aggressive actions”, as he described them, in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Borrell’s comments came after a meeting of European Union foreign ministers.
The European official spoke of a feeling of growing frustration over Turkish actions, stressing that Ankara should not take unilateral action.
Turkey seeks gas in waters that Greece and Cyprus consider theirs.
The next actions of the European Union will likely be discussed at a summit of member states to be held on September 24.
These measures are aimed at restricting Turkey’s ability to explore natural gas in the disputed waters, and may target people, ships and the use of European waters, according to Borrell.
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The Turkish Foreign Ministry found the position of the European Union unfounded and rejected Greece’s claims on maritime rights in the region.
Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said: “The European Union does not have jurisdiction to criticize our country’s hydrocarbon activities within our continental area and to ask us to stop these activities.”
Borrell and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stressed that the European Union wants to provide an opportunity for dialogue to ease the tension between Greece and Turkey, both members of NATO.
Tensions in the region have fueled Turkey’s announcement that it will conduct live ammunition exercises in the Mediterranean next week.
