Libya condemns Greek offshore drilling plans

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Libya’s Government of National Unity has expressed deep concern over Greece’s recent decision to launch an international tender for oil and gas exploration in maritime areas south of the island of Crete.

The Libyan government maintains that some of the designated zones fall within contested waters and considers the move a “blatant violation of Libya’s sovereign rights.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said it had been closely monitoring developments published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 12 June 2025, which included details of exploration licences granted in areas that Libya regards as part of its disputed maritime boundaries.

The ministry affirmed its “full reservation and clear objection” to any exploratory or drilling operations in these areas, stressing that no activity should proceed without a prior legal agreement that upholds the principles of international law and protects the legitimate rights of all parties involved.

Reiterating Libya’s long-standing position, the statement underlined the country’s commitment to preserving the Mediterranean Sea as a space for cooperation, peace, and mutual development among all coastal nations. It warned that “unilateral actions serve only to heighten tensions and further complicate regional relations.”

The Foreign Ministry urged the Greek authorities to act responsibly and to take into account the depth of historic ties between the two countries. It called for the adoption of dialogue and constructive negotiation as the “only viable approach” to achieving fair and balanced solutions, grounded in international legal norms and respectful of the interests of all stakeholders.