Turkey is preparing legislation consisting of 14 articles that would formally define the country’s maritime areas of responsibility, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, according to reports from Ankara, in a move closely watched by Greece amid renewed concerns over disputes in the Aegean.

The proposed legislation, widely referred to in Turkey as the “Blue Homeland” bill, is expected to be submitted to the Turkish parliament next month. Kathimerini understands the bill will contain detailed legal descriptions of maritime zones, rights Turkey says derive from customary international law, and the activities Ankara considers itself entitled to conduct in those areas.

Turkish media reports say the bill’s central innovation would authorize President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to declare areas of “special status” in maritime regions where Turkey has not formally determined its continental shelf or exclusive economic zone. The provision has drawn particular attention because of its possible implications for the Aegean.

Television network A Haber said the legislation aims to create “a strong legal framework against Greece’s steps regarding marine parks and fishing prohibition zones in the Aegean.” Analysts cited in the reports said the powers granted to Erdogan could allow Ankara to declare environmental protection or fishing restriction zones outside territorial waters if Athens proceeds with additional environmental measures.

The legislation has also fueled discussion in Turkey over the “gray zones” theory, which disputes Greek sovereignty over certain islands and islets in the Aegean. Some Turkish media outlets suggested the bill could allow Turkey to raise its flag on 152 islands whose sovereignty they describe as undefined, though some Turkish officials unofficially dismissed such scenarios.

Athens is awaiting the bill’s final form before responding formally. Greek officials remain particularly concerned about the undefined scope of the proposed “special status” powers and their possible connection to the “gray zones” issue.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou stressed that Greece would defend its interests. She also distinguished between “claims and rights,” while describing Turkey’s broader strategy as an attempt to project influence beyond its immediate geographic boundaries.

Source: Ekathimerini.com