Athens is examining a range of legal and practical responses to a Turkish bill reportedly being prepared by the ruling AKP party to advance Ankara’s claims in the Aegean Sea through the doctrine known as the “Blue Homeland,” according to ongoing discussions at multiple levels within the Greek government.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has repeatedly stated publicly, without providing details, that if Ankara decides to escalate tensions, Greece possesses legal tools to respond and will use them.
Among the options under consideration is the declaration of marine parks across the Aegean, including in the eastern part of the sea. In July 2025, Athens declared two marine parks, one in the Ionian Sea and another in the southern Cyclades. In the Cyclades case, the strictly protected zone included the islets of Kinaros and Levitha, a move that angered Ankara because Turkey argues the islets are not entitled to maritime effect.
The marine parks remained within the territorial waters of the islands, six nautical miles in the Aegean. Even after what Greek officials viewed as a restrained approach to defining the parks, Turkey reacted negatively.
Officials note that parts of the Dodecanese possess similar environmental characteristics, including small islands with sensitive ecosystems, flora and fauna, and could potentially host additional marine parks.
