The need to find an effective and permanent solution to address the refugee problem leads Greece and Turkey to form a framework of joint discussions and actions, even joint efforts towards the European Union. However, this cooperation highlights the provocative claims of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, giving the impression that the Turkish leadership might try to take advantage of the refugee issue to strengthen its claims in the Aegean Sea by questioning Greece’s sovereignty over islands, territorial waters and air space.

During yesterday’s joint press conference between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Izmir, in the framework of Greek-Turkish Cooperation Council, Mr. Davutoglu justified bluntly constant violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters and appeared reluctant to agree on lifting the “casus belli”. Turkish prime minister also clarified that the cooperation in refugee does not mean that each country retreats from its position, but it is evident that Ankara continues to have aspirations in the Aegean Sea.

Mr. Tsipras responded to Turkey’s claims asking directly for the lifting of “casus belli” and raising the issue of violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters. However, the difficult position in which Greece is due to refugee issue and with northern borders completely closed, it is clear that Athens is led to closely cooperate with Turkey.