Turkey Moves to Legislate ‘Blue Homeland’ Maritime Doctrine

by · Greek City Times

Turkey is preparing legislation to formalise its controversial ‘Blue Homeland’ maritime doctrine, with potential implications for Greece, Cyprus and disputes over maritime rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

According to Turkish broadcaster Habertürk, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is finalising a bill designed to protect what Ankara describes as Turkey’s sovereign rights and national interests at sea.

The legislation is expected to be drafted in November and submitted to the Turkish parliament before the end of 2026.

Read more: Turkey Accepts Greece-Cyprus Cable, but Demands Survey Notice

Bill targets maritime boundaries and disputed islets

Reports indicate the proposed framework would establish rules governing Turkey’s maritime jurisdiction, including its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The legislation is expected to define Turkey’s territorial waters as extending six nautical miles in the Aegean Sea and 12 nautical miles in the Black Sea and Mediterranean.

It would also reportedly require Ankara’s direct authorisation for economic, scientific and environmental activities within Turkey’s EEZ, including activities involving the seabed and subsoil.

Another provision is expected to address the legal status of islets commonly described in Turkey as “grey zones”, invoking international maritime law.

Such provisions could intensify existing tensions between Greece and Turkey over maritime boundaries, sovereignty and the interpretation of international law.

Great Sea Interconnector adds to tensions

Ankara had initially planned to introduce the legislation in the autumn but subsequently postponed the move.

According to reports cited by Kathimerini, Turkey opted to monitor developments surrounding the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project, the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), before proceeding.

The project has become a focal point in the wider dispute over maritime activities and jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The proposed legislation would formalise Ankara’s approach to maritime claims at a time when Greece and Turkey remain at odds over the limits of their respective rights in the Aegean.

The bill’s final wording and its eventual passage through parliament will determine how Turkey seeks to translate the ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine into domestic law.

Source: Kathimerini

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