Greece is continuing construction of a border fence along the central Evros region despite formal objections from Turkey.

Turkish authorities recently submitted a diplomatic note protesting the extension of the artificial barrier into land they consider Turkish territory.

Construction of the fence in the central Evros area began in 2023 and was completed in early 2025. However, the barrier had gaps in at least seven locations along the project’s 35-kilometer route, despite the original plan. One explanation was that the sites were difficult to access and required specialized engineering works.

The issue is, essentially, linked to changes in the course of the Evros River, which serves as the boundary between Greece and Turkey. Those changes have led to disagreement over the precise location of the border.

Seven sites along the central Evros region, most near Soufli and some near Didymoteicho, are shown on maps produced by the Hellenic Army Geographic Service as part of Greek territory. Turkey, however, considers those same areas to be Turkish land.

Police sources told Kathimerini that, for tactical and diplomatic reasons, construction of the fence was not initially carried out at the disputed locations, which together cover about five kilometers. Authorities considered installing a movable obstacle instead of a permanent fence with foundations and support structures. Diplomatic sources said part of the problem emerged in 2024 when Greek authorities decided to create a digital representation of the border line. Until then, available maps had been based on analog surveys dating from 1926.

“Small discrepancies emerged between the analog and digital representations. The technical services of the two countries must agree on a common mapping,” a diplomatic source told Kathimerini, adding that a similar issue had also arisen in 2024.

About five months ago, Greek authorities decided to complete the fence in the central Evros area based on Greek maps. Turkey responded by submitting a formal protest at the Kapitan Andreevo border station.

Source: Ekathimerini.com