Over the past two and a half years, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been implementing a structured and holistic diplomatic plan consisting of three successive levels.
The first level aimed at consolidating calm in our region. In an exceptionally complex and volatile international environment, amid two wars not far from us, we built conditions of peaceful coexistence and security, limiting sources of tension and resolving critical outstanding issues in our neighborhood.
In this context, a functional relationship with Türkiye was developed, as confirmed by the signing of the Athens Declaration in December 2023. This led to a minimization of violations of national airspace, a significant reduction in migration flows from the east, a clear strengthening of bilateral trade, a boost of tourism from Türkiye to the Greek islands via the fast-track visa issuing procedure secured by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the European Commission.
In the same spirit, we strengthened our diplomatic relations with neighboring Libya, despite the pre-existence of the null and void Turkish-Libyan memorandum and the lack of communication with the internationally recognized government of Western Libya. Today, Greece is the only European country that maintains open channels of communication with both sides in the country, following our contacts with the respective leaderships in Tripoli and Benghazi. The result is that migration flows from Libya have been significantly reduced, the Libyan call for tenders for the exploration of offshore blocks respects our median line, and the technical committees on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two countries - which were unfortunately interrupted in 2010, with well-known consequences - have been reactivated.
One does not need to be a foreign policy expert to understand the importance of the time gained thanks to the “calm waters” that followed a long and painful period of major economic crisis, for the recovery of our economy, the restoration of our defense capabilities and the consolidation of our diplomatic position.
The second level aimed at further strengthening our national positions. The objective was twofold: on the one hand, to build firmly structured international alliances, and on the other, to reinforce our arguments in favor of our positions on the field.
On the international stage, we were elected almost unanimously to the UN Security Council. Through our participation we are developing new alliances on a daily basis and co-deciding on issues concerning the international security architecture. We have shaped the regulatory framework of European defense so that nobody can call our national interests into question. We are systematically deepening our vital relationship with the United States. We have maintained our strategic partnership with Israel, as well as our excellent relations with the Arab world. We have established meaningful channels of communication with new powers on the global stage, such as India and the Gulf countries. And we have upgraded Greece into an energy hub in Southeastern Europe and beyond.
On the other hand, we have undertaken unprecedented initiatives. The maritime spatial planning that, for the first time, establishes the outermost limits of our potential continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as European acquis; the marine environmental parks that neutralize any possible design against our national sovereignty; the participation of the American energy giants Chevron and ExxonMobil in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons south of Crete and in the Ionian Sea respectively, the latter made possible thanks to the EEZ delimitation agreement with Italy. All these developments strengthen our arguments, not in abstract terms, but tangibly and substantively, both politically and legally. Any - largely expected - external reactions will of course not cause us to deviate from our fundamental course.
The third level aims at capitalizing on our country’s elevated diplomatic standing. This is where we stand today. Having developed strong arguments, consolidated broad alliances, and assumed influential positions in international organizations, it is now time for Greece to take bold initiatives, with confidence and without hesitation or apprehension.
In this context, our country is undertaking, among several other strategic actions, an initiative to establish a permanent multilateral regional scheme in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region marked by significant tensions and challenges, but also one of crucial importance for connectivity between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Cooperation among coastal states to address shared challenges can foster an environment of mutual understanding and make a decisive contribution to stability and security.
The initiative has the following characteristics: Regarding participation, the proposal includes the four Eastern Mediterranean states with which Greece shares maritime borders. Future expansion of participation is not excluded, particularly since other states in the region share common interests. As for the framework of discussion, it is self-evident that a necessary preliminary condition for each participant is the full acceptance of International Law and complete respect for state sovereignty. Concerning the agenda, it includes issues of legitimate common interest - such as civil protection, migration, and the protection of the marine environment - as well as more complex matters, such as the delimitation of maritime zones and connectivity. With respect to next steps, the Greek side will explore the intentions of the parties regarding their participation in the scheme. Should there be a preliminary common understanding, a Memorandum of Understanding could be drafted, leading to a first meeting to set the agenda and prioritize the topics.
The Greek proposal constitutes the first structured and formalized cooperation plan among the coastal states of our region. The reference in the European Council Conclusions of October 2, 2020, to a Multilateral Conference on the Eastern Mediterranean, effectively amounted to a general authorization for the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, which, however, was never put into action.
At this elevated point of its diplomatic presence, a major opportunity for the country, Greece is taking the initiative, assuming a consultative and leading role in the region. We do not overlook the challenges in implementing this proposal - nor could we, given the magnitude of such an undertaking. However, we believe we should rise to the occasion and explore every possibility for meaningful convergence in our neighborhood, which would contribute to a lasting peace and good neighborly relations. This is a time for responsibility, not evasion. Each of us stands today before the verdict of history.
November 9, 2025