Erdogan says EU objections to Turkey-Libya maritime deal have no legal basis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the European Union’s objections to the memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya on maritime jurisdiction areas have no legal basis.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting he chaired in Ankara on Monday, Erdogan said: “The memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya protects the rights of both countries in the eastern Mediterranean, and there is no legal basis for the objections raised by the European Union and other parties. We expect the EU and other concerned parties to adopt a constructive approach.” 

He added: “I would like to reiterate that we expect all parties seeking to exclude Turkey from the eastern Mediterranean to respect the shared will of our country and Libya.”

“We are not seeking to score a goal against any party in the eastern Mediterranean. Our sole concern is to protect our rights and interests relating to maritime jurisdiction,” he said.

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Erdogan said maintaining stability in Libya was a priority for Turkey and that the reconciliation process on the agenda must be led and owned by the Libyans.

He stressed that Turkey had advocated a united and unified Libya from the outset, adding that this position was reflected in the latest decision.

“We are working for peace, security and stability in Libya, strengthening unity and reducing divisions and disagreements,” he said.

The latest Libyan move is significant because the eastern-based House of Representatives had rejected ratification of the two memorandums of understanding signed with Turkey in 2020 and voted to sever political ties with Ankara.

However, on 20 October 2026, the parliament unanimously approved the maritime memorandum and revoked its previous decisions, marking a notable shift in its position on the agreement and relations with Ankara.

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