“Passive Greece Is Gone”: Minister Warns Turkey on Sovereignty

In remarks to To Vima, George Gerapetritis dismissed suggestions that his government’s approach amounts to passivity, according to Greek City Times. The Greece of passive diplomatic inertia is gone for good, the minister said, characterizing the so-called calm waters policy as a tactical framework rather than an objective in itself.

Gerapetritis maintained that recent de-escalation with Turkey has created strategic space for Greece to address long-term priorities: containing regional crises, strengthening the economy, modernizing its military capabilities, and broadening diplomatic partnerships across multiple continents.

Military Modernization at the Heart of Strategy

The Foreign Minister pointed to a wave of major defense acquisitions as evidence of Greece’s enhanced military position. New Rafale fighter jets, upgraded F-16 aircraft, Belharra-class frigates, and incoming F-35 stealth fighters now give Athens a clear edge in air and naval power, he said.

This defense buildup is paired with expanded strategic alliances. Greece has deepened ties with the United States, France, Israel, Egypt, India, and Gulf Arab states, positioning itself as a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

Athens Declaration Does Not Compromise Sovereignty

Addressing the 2023 Athens Declaration signed with Turkey, Gerapetritis clarified that the framework serves as a communication channel but does not require Greece to concede any legal claims. Both nations maintain their existing positions, he stressed, and the agreement does not signal any compromise on sovereignty or maritime rights.

Turkish Marine Parks Declared Illegal

The minister took a firm line on Turkey’s recent declaration of marine parks in the Aegean Sea. He called the move illegal and without legal effect, noting that the designated areas extend into undelimited waters over Greece’s continental shelf, as reported by Greek City Times.

Gerapetritis warned that any violation of Greek sovereign rights would be met with every available means. While Greece remains committed to peaceful resolution of disputes, he emphasized that Athens is absolutely prepared for any scenario.

He also reaffirmed Greece’s inalienable right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, a step that can be taken unilaterally at a time and in a manner of Greece’s choosing.

Balanced Diplomacy in the Eastern Mediterranean

Responding to claims that Greece is overcommitted to Israel, the Foreign Minister described Greek policy as multi-layered, with active diplomatic channels to both Israel and the Arab world. He rejected the notion of any imbalance or overinvestment.

Gerapetritis also underscored the importance of the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnector, which he described as essential to ending the island’s energy isolation. The project will be fully implemented, he confirmed.

The minister’s remarks come as Athens seeks to balance deterrence with dialogue in one of Europe’s most volatile regions, maintaining a clear-eyed approach to Turkish ambitions while expanding its influence across the wider Mediterranean and Middle East.

With information from Greek City Times