Libya protests Greece’s Crete hydrocarbon tender

Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Unity has condemned Greece’s recent international tender for oil and gas exploration south of Crete as a “clear violation” of Libyan sovereignty, according to Greek outlet ekathimerini.com, days before a scheduled visit by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. Tripoli urged Athens to honour maritime boundary agreements and negotiate in accordance with international law.

Greece responded, defending its right to explore within its continental shelf, citing compliance with UNCLOS and the law of the sea. The dispute adds to ongoing East Mediterranean tensions following Libya’s 2019 maritime deal with Turkey, which Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt have rejected as illegitimate.

As the Greek foreign minister’s visit approaches, the row underscores fragile regional alignments over maritime jurisdiction and energy resources. Both sides affirm their commitment to dialogue, but recent remarks highlight the risk that unilateral actions may inflame rather than ease simmering geopolitical rivalries in the Mediterranean.