Diplomatic Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean: Developments in 2021 and Prospects


Olga Tsoukala
Abstract

Is the Eastern Mediterranean emerging as a new geopolitical region? During 2021, the region of the Eastern Mediterranean occupied the international news and its scholars. This policy brief attempts to provide a concise and comprehensive analysis of the main events, which took place and marked with particular energy the diplomatic route for the defense, security and cooperation of the states in the region. The present analysis draw conclusions about the future of the region, especially in regard to Turkey's difficult position, culminating in the apparent imperative for the completion of the E.U.'s EEZ.

Article Details
  • Sezione
  • Articles
Downloads
I dati di download non sono ancora disponibili.
Biografia autore
Olga Tsoukala, Neapolis University Pafos, Cyprus, Panteion University, Greece
LLB, Neapolis University Pafos, Cyprus & BA in International, European and Area Studies, Panteion University, Greece.
Riferimenti bibliografici
Army Technology (2021). Bayraktar TB2 Tactical UAV. Army Technology. 6/1/2021. Available at: https://www.army-technology.com/projects/bayraktar-tb2-tactical-uav/ (Accessed: 09/11/2021).
Atlantic Council (2021). Experts react: The US, UK, and Australia struck a nuclear submarine deal. What does it mean? Atlantic Council. 11/10/2021. Available at: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react-the-us-uk-and-australia-struck-a-nuclear-submarine-deal-what-does-it-mean/ (Accessed: 08/11/2021).
Berman, L. (2021). Lapid hosts Greek, Cypriot FMs, hails regional alliance | The. Times of Israel., 22/8/2021. Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/lapid-hosts-greek-cypriot-fms-hails-regional-alliance/ (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
Bianco, C. & Rocha, A. R. (2021). Understanding the Emirati-Greek relationship. Middle East Institute. 27/1/2021. Available at: https://www.mei.edu/publications/understanding-emirati-greek-relationship (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
Carassava, A. (2021). Greece, France Seal Strategic Defense Deal, Angering Turkey. VOA. 3/10/2021. Available at: https://www.voanews.com/a/greece-france-seal-strategic-defense-deal-angering-turkey-/6255367.html (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
Euronews (2021). Ελλάδα και Ιταλία αντάλλαξαν τα όργανα επικύρωσης της Συμφωνίας για Οριοθέτηση των Θαλασσίων Ζωνών. 8/11/2021. Διαθέσιμο σε: https://gr.euronews.com/2021/11/08/ellada-kai-italia-antallaksan-organa-epikirosis-symfonias-oriothetisi-thalassion-zonon (Πρόσβαση: 11/11/2021).
European Commission (2021). Turkey Report 2021. Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations. 19/10/2021. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/turkey-report-2021_en (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
European Commission (2022). EU invests over € 1 billion in energy infrastructure in support of. 26/1/2022. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/eu-invests-over-eu-1-billion-clean-energy-infrastructure-support-green-deal-2022-jan-26_en (Accessed: 29/01/2022).
Hurriyet Daily News (2021a). Turkey says Greek-French defense pact harms NATO alliance. 1/10/2021. Available at: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-condemns-greeces-maritime-jurisdiction-say-on-defense-deal-with-france-168288 (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
Hurriyet Daily News (2021b). Turkic grouping to change its name to Organization of Turkic States: Turkish FM. 12/11/2021. Available at: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkic-grouping-to-change-its-name-to-organization-of-turkic-states-turkish-fm-169303 (Accessed: 12/11/2021).
Hurriyet Daily News (2021c). Turkey urges Turkish Cypriot membership in Turkic Council. 12/11/2021. Available at: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-president-inaugurates-turkic-council-general-secretariat-building-169326 (Accessed: 12/11/2021).
Iddon, P. (2020a). Greece-UAE Defense Pact Could Benefit The Hellenic Air Force. Forbes. 17/12/2021. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2020/12/17/heres-how-greeces-defense-pact-with-the-uae-could-benefit-the-hellenic-air-force/?sh=7bfb53af6165 (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
Iddon, P. (2020b). How significant is the Greece-UAE defence agreement? Ahval. 1/12/2021. Available at: https://ahvalnews.com/turkish-foreign-policy/how-significant-greece-uae-defence-agreement (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
J. (2021). Report: Cyprus in Negotiations with Israel on Purchase of Iron Dome System. Middle East in 24 English. 3/10/2021. Available at: https://middleeast.in-24.com/News/277572.html (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
JT. (2021). King, Cyprus president, Greece PM hold trilateral summit in Athens. Jordan Times. 29/7/2021. Available at: https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-cyprus-president-greece-pm-hold-trilateral-summit-athens (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
Kandil, A. (2021). Egypt, Greece, Cyprus sign power linkage agreement in Athens - Foreign Affairs - Egypt. Ahram Online. 19/10/2021. Available at: https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/434142/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Egypt,-Greece,-Cyprus-sign-power-linkage-agreement.aspx (Accessed: 08/11/2021).
Krasna, J. (2021). Jordan: With Relations with Washington and Jerusalem Back in Order, a Flurry of Diplomatic Activity. Tel Aviv
Notes, 15 (8), 1-8.
Tsardanidis, C. (2019). Greece’s Changing Role in the Eastern Mediterranean. The New Geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean: Trilateral Partnerships and Regional Security, PRIO Cyprus Centre, 73-93.
Κωστίδης, Μ. (2021). «Χαρμόσυνα νέα» κατά την επίσκεψη στα Κατεχόμενα, προανήγγειλε ο Ερντογάν. Η Καθημερινή. 19/7/2021. Διαθέσιμο σε: https://www.kathimerini.gr/politics/561436717/charmosyna-nea-proaniggeile-o-erntogan-kata-tin-episkepsi-sta-katechomena/ (Πρόσβαση: 08/11/2021).
Mackenzie, C. (2021). Greece and France ink $3 billion contract for Rafale fighter jets. Defense News. 25/1/2021. Available at: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/01/25/greece-and-france-ink-3-billion-contract-for-rafale-fighter-jets/ (Accessed: 07/11/2021).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Hellenic Republic. (2021). Joint Statement Philia Forum (Athens, 11.02.2021) - Announcements - Statements - Speeches [Press release]. 11/2/2021. Available at: https://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/statements-speeches/joint-statement-of-the-ministers-for-foreign-affairs-of-the-republic-of-cyprus-the-arab-republic-of-egypt-the-hellenic-republic-the-kingdom-of-bahrain-the-french-republic-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-and-the-minister-of-state-for-international-coopera.html (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
ν. 4841/2021 ΦΕΚ 187/Α/8-10-2021
Ong, T. (2021). Israel, Greece Sign Record Defense Deal Worth $1.65 Billion. The Defense Post. 19/4/2021. Available at: https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/04/19/israel-greece-record-defense-deal/ (Accessed: 09/11/2021).
Παυλόπουλος, Π. (2020). H σύμπραξη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης στη διαδικασία οριοθέτησης της Ευρωπαϊκής Αποκλειστικής Οικονομικής Ζώνης. Syntagma Watch. 26/6/2020. Διαθέσιμο σε: https://www.syntagmawatch.gr/trending-issues/i-sybraxi-tis-evropaikis-enosis-sti-diadikasia-oriothetisis-tis-evropaikis-apokleistikis-oikonomikis-zonis/ (Πρόσβαση: 12/11/2021).
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2022). Press Release Regarding the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2618 (2022) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in the Island of Cyprus [Press release]. 27/2/2022. Available at: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-32_-2618-sayili-bm-guvenlik-konseyi-karari-hk.en.mfa (Accessed: 29/01/2022).
Rubin, M. (2021). Turkey’s New Drone Base Is a Problem. The National Interest. 30/5/2021. Available at: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/turkey%E2%80%99s-new-drone-base-problem-186556 (Accessed: 09/11/2021).
S/ RES/ 550 (1984). Resolution No. 550 (1984) of 11 May 1984 about the Situation in Cyprus. The U.N. Security Council. Available at: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/document/cyprus-sres550.php (Accessed: 12/11/2021).
S/ RES/ 789 (1992). Resolution No. 789 (1992) adopted by the Security Council at its 3140th meeting, on 25 November 1992, about the Situation in Cyprus. The U.N. Security Council. Available at: http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/doc/789 (Accessed: 12/11/2021).
S/ RES/ 2618 (2022). Resolution No. 2618 (2022) on the Extension of the Mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in the Island of Cyprus. The U.N. Security Council. Available at: https://unficyp.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/res_26182022_on_unficyp_e.pdf (Accessed: 29/01/2022).
Sharaf, N. (2020). The Libya-Turkey Memorandum of Understanding: Local and Regional Repercussions. Arab Center Washington DC. 2/1/2020. Available at: https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-libya-turkey-memorandum-of-understanding-local-and-regional-repercussions/ (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
SHOD (2021). SEISMIC SURVEY, BY R/V ORUÇ REİS, ATAMAN AND CENGİZ HAN BETWEEN 08 OCT 21 AND 16 DEC 21. Available at: https://www.shodb.gov.tr/shodb_esas/index.php/en/safety-of-navigation/navigational-warnings/all-stations/23-all-stations/antalya-navtex-station/10195-turnhos-n-w-0929-21 (Accessed: 12/11/2021).
Szymczak, P. D. (2021). Egypt, Greece Subsea Cable To Deliver North African Renewable Energy to Europe. JPT. 25/10/2021. Available at: https://jpt.spe.org/egypt-greece-subsea-cable-to-deliver-north-african-renewable-energy-to-europe (Accessed: 10/11/2021).
Tual, L. (2021). FDI Frigates and Gowind Corvettes for Greece? Naval News. 27/9/2021. Available at: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/new-development-in-greece-french-frigates-for-the-future-hellenic-navy (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
Tziampiris, A. (2021). Greece Is Reshaping the Eastern Mediterranean Region. World Politics Review. 4/6/2021. Available at: https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/29701/what-s-behind-greece-foreign-policy-in-the-eastern-mediterranean (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
Τζιάρρας, Ζ. (2020). Διεθνής Πολιτική στην Ανατολική Μεσόγειο: Τουρκία, Κύπρος και Δίκτυα Συνεργασίας σε μία «Νέα» Υπο-Περιφέρεια. Διεθνής Πολιτική Οικονομία. Ινστιτούτο Διεθνών Οικονομικών Σχέσεων.
U.S. Department of State (2021a). Signing of Protocol of Amendment to the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement with Greece [Press release]. 14/10/2021. Available at: https://www.state.gov/signing-of-protocol-of-amendment-to-the-mutual-defense-cooperation-agreement-with-greece/ (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
U.S. Department of State (2021b). Joint Statement on Third United States – Greece Strategic Dialogue [Press release]. 15/10/2021. Available at: https://www.state.gov/joint-statement-on-third-united-states-greece-strategic-dialogue/ (Accessed: 11/11/2021).
Yiallourides, C. (2020). Part I: Some Observations on the Agreement between Greece and Egypt on the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Blog of the European Journal of International Law. 25/8/2020. Available at: https://www.ejiltalk.org/18969-2/ (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
Zareba, S. (2020). Delimitation of Maritime Areas in the Eastern Mediterranean as a challenge for the EU. The Polish Institute of International Affairs. 65(1495)
Ζαχαράκη, Μ. (2021). Ερντογάν: Ελπίζουμε ο ήλιος να αρχίσει να ανατέλλει ξανά από την Ανατολία. ΕΘΝΟΣ, 12/11/2021. Διαθέσιμο σε: https://www.ethnos.gr/World/article/182906/erntoganelpizoymeohliosnaarxiseinaanatelleixanaapothnanatolia (Πρόσβαση: 12/11/2021).
Antonopoulos, P. (2020). Turkey reacts “violently” but it is time for a Greece-Cyprus EEZ deal. Greek City Times. 7/8/2020. Available at: https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/08/07/turkey-reacts-violently-but-it-is-time-for-a-greece-cyprus-eez-deal/ (Accessed: 26/01/2022).
Anastasiades, N. [@AnastasiadesCY]. (2022). EuroAsia Interconnector [Tweet]. Twitter. 27/1/2022. Available at: https://twitter.com/AnastasiadesCY/status/1486638499809968131 (Accessed: 28/01/2022).
Google Earth (2021). Eastern Mediterranean [Map]. Google Earth. Available at: https://earth.google.com/web/@33.41480538,25.7153574,215.85466031a,3088170.91401905d,35y,0h,0t,0r (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
Kouparanis, P. (2020). “A question of putting Turkey in its place.” DW. 11/8/2020. Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/egypts-leadership-feels-markedly-threatened-by-turkey/a-54533478 (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
Μνημόνιο Συνεννόησης μεταξύ της Κυβέρνησης της Δημοκρατίας της Τουρκίας και της Κυβέρνησης Εθνικής Συμφωνίας της Λιβύης για την οριοθέτηση της θαλάσσιας δικαιοδοσίας στη Μεσόγειο εγ. υπ' αριθμ. 1815/2019 - ΑΝΝΕΧ-1. Resmî-Gazete. 7/12/2019. Available at: https://resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2019/12/20191207-3.pdf (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
Spasić, V. (2019). Framework agreement signed for 2,000 MW EuroAfrica Interconnector between Egypt, Cyprus, Greece. Balkan Green Energy News. 31/5/2019. Available at: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/framework-agreement-signed-for-2000-mw-euroafrica-interconnector-between-egypt-cyprus-greece/ (Accessed: 26/11/2021).
Puoi leggere altri articoli dello stesso autore/i