EU threaten Turkey with sanctions if ships don’t withdraw from Greek waters

·

The European Union is preparing sanctions against Turkey that could be discussed at the bloc’s next summit on Sept. 24 in response to the eastern Mediterranean dispute with Greece, the EU’s top diplomat said on Friday.

The measures, meant to limit Turkey’s ability to explore for natural gas in contested waters, could affect individuals, ships or the use of European ports, Josep Borrell said. The EU would focus on everything related to “activities we consider illegal”, he added.

Read More: Turkey to hold military drills off coast of Cyprus as Greece continues exercises with France and Italy
Read More: Greece to extend territorial waters in the Ionian Sea, says PM

Borrell spoke in Berlin where EU foreign ministers met to discuss support for Greece after Athens ratified a pact on its maritime boundaries to counter Turkey’s claims to energy resources in the region.

In a fresh sign of tensions, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said Turkish F-16 jets on Thursday prevented six Greek F-16 jets which took off from the island of Crete from entering an area where Ankara is conducting maritime activity.

Sidelines of the informal talks of the EU foreign ministers in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Aug. 28, 2020. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)

Greek media reported that Turkish fighter aircraft had harassed Greek jets which were returning to base on Crete. Accusations and counter accusations on military issues are common between the two NATO allies.

In Berlin, Borrell said the bloc was ready to sanction Turkish vessels, block their access to EU ports and cut off supplies.

Possible Sanctions

“We can go to measures related to sectoral activities … where the Turkish economy is related to the European economy,” Borrell told a news conference, referring to possible sanctions.

Turkey’s foreign ministry said the EU had no basis for its stance and rejected Greek maritime claims. President Tayyip Erdogan told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg Turkey will continue to protect its rights and interests everywhere.

“Our President told him NATO must fulfill its responsibility against unilateral steps which disregard international law and harm regional peace,” Erdogan’s office said in a statement.

In this photo provided by the Greek Defense Ministry, warships take part in a military exercise in Eastern Mediterranean sea, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (Greek Defense Ministry via AP)

France has notably taken a tough stance on Turkey’s actions in the eastern Mediterranean and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday this was to set red lines because Ankara respects actions not words.

Borrell and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the EU first wanted to give dialogue a chance to cool tensions.

Turkey is a formal candidate to join the EU, although its candidacy is at risk and could be withdrawn as a type of sanction, diplomats have said.

Two senior EU diplomats told Reuters that foreign ministers agreed to leave any decision to EU government leaders, who are set to meet for a two-day summit from Sept. 24.

“Nothing will be decided before the September European Council,” a senior diplomat said, although the envoy added that Turkey could also be rewarded with greater access to the EU’s market of 450 million consumers if it curtailed its drilling.

Sourced By: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mitsotakis calls for unified European defence and energy strategy at MED9 summit

At the MED9 summit on Monday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged for a comprehensive European strategy on defence and energy.

Outrage as British Museum hosts lavish dinner among Parthenon Marbles

Greek outrage after the British Museum hosts a Met Gala-style charity dinner inside the Parthenon Galleries.

Albanese and Trump unveil landmark critical minerals pact to counter China

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump have announced a $8.5b deal to develop critical minerals projects.

Bouzouki Night 2025: A celebration of youth, culture and Hellenic pride in the Capital

It was a night of kefi in Canberra as 300 guests filled the Hellenic Club of Canberra for the Hellenic Youth Club’s Bouzouki Night 2025.

Cretan and Kalymnian youth in Sydney unite for a night of dance, music and kefi

The spirit of Greece came alive in Sydney as the Cretan Youth Association of Sydney and the Kalymnian Youth Society of NSW hosted Xoro.

You May Also Like

‘It’s about the people’: A social worker in Greece shares her experiences

46-year-old social worker, Athina Bakos, shares her experiences with The Greek Herald of working in Greece.

Sydney builder Chris Triantis shares thoughts on home renovations in 2024

Chris Triantis says 2024 is the ideal time for renovations, with the settling of building material prices providing more market certainty.

Greece records its hottest July ever

July 2024 has been declared the hottest July on record in Greece, according to meteorological data. Find out more here.