Former Foreign Minister Rozakis admits: "Every action in the Aegean requires Türkiye’s permission"

Former Greek Foreign Minister and international law expert Prof. Hristos Rozakis made a striking admission about Greece’s restricted maneuverability in the Aegean due to Türkiye’s increasing influence. Speaking at the 8th Annual "Post-Greece" Think Tank Conference in Athens, Rozakis emphasized that Athens can no longer act freely in the Aegean without Ankara’s approval and that Greece has given up some of its rights.

"Türkiye Controls Every Development in the Aegean"
Rozakis pointed to the suspension of the IPTO energy cable project—which was meant to be laid between Crete and Kasos Island—as an example, explaining that Turkey’s strong objections halted the initiative.

"Türkiye believes it must control everything happening in the Aegean. Even when we take legally justified actions, they are still subject to Turkish approval," he said, underlining Ankara’s growing influence in the region.

"The Waters Are Calm, But Türkiye’s Influence Has Grown"
Despite the recent period of reduced tensions between Türkiye and Greece, Rozakis argued that this does not equate to Greek freedom of action:

"Right now, the Aegean is calm. There are no military confrontations in the sea or airspace. But that doesn’t mean Greece can act independently."

According to Rozakis, Türkiye now controls far more than its legally entitled maritime zones, limiting Greek operations in the region.

"Greece Had to Inform Ankara About the Cable Project"
Highlighting the extent of Türkiye’s influence, Rozakis revealed that Greece was forced to notify Ankara about the energy project due to the deployment of Turkish warships near Crete and Kasos.

"We had no other choice. Once Türkiye deployed its naval forces in the region, we were obligated to inform Ankara. But even that did not resolve the issue," he admitted.

"Greece Has Given Up Some of Its Rights"
When asked whether this situation meant that Greece had relinquished part of its sovereignty in the Aegean, Rozakis candidly replied:

"Yes, we have given up some of our rights."

He concluded that this was not just about the cable project but a broader issue, stating:

"Even Greece’s legally justified actions are now subject to Turkish control. This has serious consequences for our country."

Rozakis’ remarks signal a growing strategic challenge for Greece as Türkiye continues to assert dominance over Aegean affairs, affecting Athens’ ability to operate independently in the region.