Cyprus Times

Turkey Issues Two-Year NAVTEX Asserting Claims in the Aegean Sea

Published January 24, 2026, 12:04
Turkey Issues Two-Year NAVTEX Asserting Claims in the Aegean Sea

Turkey has issued two non-binding NAVTEX notices ahead of the Erdoğan-Mitsotakis meeting, reiterating its positions regarding the Aegean Sea. The first NAVTEX, valid until December 2027, refers to areas with boundaries “not defined by coastal states” and requires coordination with Turkish authorities for research activities. The second, valid until September 2025, claims Turkey has jurisdiction to issue permits in half of the Aegean Sea and repeats the demand for the demilitarization of 23 Greek islands. Turkish media outlets are presenting the NAVTEX notices as a sign of Turkey's determination and a source of concern for Greece, with headlines such as “The NAVTEX that caused fear in Greece” and “Unwavering stance in the ‘Blue Homeland’”. TR Haber website reports a “change in the status quo in the Aegean”. Despite the lack of operational commitments accompanying the NAVTEX, they are considered a political and communicative move aimed at influencing the atmosphere ahead of the upcoming summit. This action underscores Turkey’s consistent position on Aegean issues. The issuance of the NAVTEX, although declaratory, is interpreted as Turkey’s attempt to strengthen its position in negotiations and put pressure on Greece. The long duration of validity of the first NAVTEX (until 2027) intensifies the sense of Turkish persistence in promoting its claims.