Heated rhetoric between Greece and Turkey contributed to ongoing tensions over maritime borders and hydrocarbon development in the Eastern Mediterranean. Crisis Group expert Nigar Göksel says that following Turkey’s late-May decision to begin hydrocarbon drilling in areas Greece claims as its Exclusive Economic Zone, both the Greek and Turkish defence ministers this week signalled their readiness to use force to defend their respective interests. Talks scheduled next week between Athens and Cairo intended to demarcate their maritime borders, following a similar deal Athens struck with Italy this week, are likely to further heighten tensions with Ankara and solidify alliances that are dividing the region.
