In an initiative with significant geopolitical and economic implications, Greece has declared an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Ionian Sea, expanding the exercise of its sovereign rights in a maritime area extending to Cape Tainaro, the southernmost tip of the mainland.

The decision, published in the Government Gazette on 17 April 2025 (Issue A’ 59/17.04.2025), is grounded in international law, and specifically in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982. 

It effectively incorporates the bilateral agreement between Greece and Italy, signed on 9 June 2020 and entered into force in November 2021, aiming to delineate maritime zones based on the principle of the median line.

The Decision

As explicitly stated in Presidential Decree no. 33, “an Exclusive Economic Zone in the maritime area of ​​the Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands, and up to Cape Tainaro in the Peloponnese is declared by the Hellenic Republic”, referring to the provisions of the 2020 Greece–Italy agreement and UNCLOS. Simultaneously, Greece affirms its right to exercise similar claims along its other coastlines, in accordance with the Convention of 10 December 1982.

The newly established Greek EEZ spans a broad sea arc from the north, near Corfu, to the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese, comprising sixteen (16) coordinates that form a polygonal boundary. The agreement not only affirms Greece’s position regarding the right of islands to an EEZ and continental shelf, but also strengthens diplomatic cooperation with Italy.

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Beyond its geopolitical significance, the declaration brings substantial economic opportunities. Greece now holds exclusive rights to exploit the region’s natural resources — from fisheries to hydrocarbon exploration and renewable energy development — thereby promoting energy autonomy and sustainable growth.

In addition to this declaration, the Greek government previously presented the official maritime spatial planning map. 

This map responds to the country’s obligation as a member of the European Union to maintain a national maritime spatial plan. It reflects the current maritime landscape in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, while also encapsulating Greece’s positions on the extent of its maritime zones. The document carries institutional weight vis-à-vis the European Commission and other relevant authorities.

Source: Kathimerini

This move serves both as a tangible application of international law and as a message to Turkey that Greece remains open to dialogue through the International Court of Justice in The Hague on matters concerning EEZ or continental shelf delimitation.

However, Ankara responded by issuing its own map of Turkish claims, asserting that Greece’s unilateral actions bear no legal consequence for Turkey.

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See the Presidential Decree as published in the Official Gazette here.