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Two-Year NAVTEX by Turkey Revive Disputes in the Aegean

Published January 23, 2026, 08:15
Two-Year NAVTEX by Turkey Revive Disputes in the Aegean

Turkey has issued two NAVTEX with an unusually long validity period, until December 31, 2027, reviving disputes in the Aegean Sea. These NAVTEX reiterate Turkish positions regarding jurisdiction over a large part of the Archipelago and the demilitarization of 23 Greek islands. Athens assesses that the two-year validity period of the notices constitutes a new practice of permanently challenging the status quo in the Aegean and is part of a broader strategy of pressure to consolidate Turkey's position. Greece responded through diplomatic and operational channels, stating that there is no change in the legal status of the Aegean and rejecting Turkish claims.