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The National Intelligence Academy (Milli İstihbarat Akademisi—MIA) recently organized a panel titled “Marine Spatial Planning Map: Legal Status, Implications, and Future” to discuss the formal recognition of Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction on a comprehensive national map for the first time.
The event brought together experts to examine Türkiye’s strategic stance on its maritime rights in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
Professor Dr. Talha Kose, President of the National Intelligence Academy, announced that Türkiye’s official maritime map is nearing submission and integration into the United Nations system. This step marks a key milestone in solidifying Türkiye’s legal and political position in maritime boundary matters.
The panel was moderated by Dr. Fethullah Bayraktar and included speakers such as Professor Dr. Nursin Atesoglu Guney, Chair of the Academy’s Security Studies Department; Professor Dr. Yucel Acer from Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University; and Dr. Mustafa Baskara, Director of the Research Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM).
Professor Kose stressed the vital importance of marine spatial planning in defining and protecting Türkiye’s maritime rights and interests.
He emphasized that securing Türkiye’s interests across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace remains a top priority for national security agencies, especially to leverage emerging opportunities and counter potential threats.
Kose reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to resolving maritime disputes through international law and peaceful negotiations. He criticized the European Commission’s Marine Spatial Planning Map, published in November 2024, which ignores Türkiye’s sovereignty and was declared “null and void” by Ankara.
He accused the EU of backing maximalist claims by Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration, complicating efforts for a fair resolution. “The EU seeks to expand its influence over maritime zones and secure a role in offshore energy resources such as gas and oil,” Kose said.
He warned that unilateral EU interventions worsen the dispute and called on the EU to remain neutral and promote dialogue. “A fair approach from the EU would also improve Türkiye-EU relations,” he added.
Kose pointed out that Greece’s declaration of marine spatial planning zones overlaps with Türkiye’s continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), violating Türkiye’s rights. “Türkiye cannot accept these unilateral actions,” he said, affirming Türkiye’s resolve to protect its maritime rights under international law.
While not explicitly marking maritime boundaries, Türkiye’s map clearly reflects its official position on maritime jurisdiction. Kose described it as the first concrete expression of Türkiye’s principles on equitable sharing of maritime zones in the region.
The Marine Spatial Planning Map marks an important step in recording Türkiye’s maritime sovereignty and interests according to international law and fairness. Kose commended the efforts of DEHUKAM experts and called the map a critical development in safeguarding Türkiye’s maritime rights.
Kose stressed that Türkiye rejects unilateral maps imposed by others and believes all parties can resolve the issues through a comprehensive approach based on international law and equity. He noted that global changes require closer cooperation and coordination between Türkiye and the EU.
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