The Turkish government formally opposed hydrocarbon exploration activities south of Crete by a Chevron-led consortium on February 19, 2026. The Turkish Defense Ministry labeled the initiative as unilateral and unlawful. Officials claim the activities violate a 2019 maritime boundary agreement established between Türkiye and Libya.
This opposition follows the February 16 signing of lease agreements between Greece and the Chevron-led consortium for natural gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. The deal increases American energy investment in the region. The European Union currently supports such projects to diversify energy supplies away from Russian sources.
The dispute underscores persistent maritime boundary tensions between NATO allies Türkiye and Greece. Although the exploration zone does not infringe on Türkiye’s continental shelf, Ankara maintains it violates Libya’s declared maritime jurisdiction. Türkiye pledged to support Libyan authorities in any responsive actions.