The regular annual Board of Cooperation between Greece and Turkey is called in Athens, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Samaras and Turkey’s Ahmet Davutoglu, during a period when relations are tense.

The Council will be held in Athens on the 5th and 6th of December, while it is expected that a first attempt at deescalating the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean situation will be made.

It should be reminded that Turkey has recently attempted to “exchange” Barbaros seismographic vessel’s departure from Cyprus’ EEZ with the interruption of hydrocarbon studies on Cyprus’ part in a sort of blackmailing move.

It should also be pointed out that this “Scottish shower” tactic on Ankara’s part  is something everyone is used to by now.

The question remains, however, on how the Cyprus EEZ matter will unfold in the next 25 days until the meeting. It is yet unknown if the upcoming meeting excludes any incendiary moves that may maximize the effect of the issue. It is also unclear if Ankara has pledged to suspend seismographic research by the Turkish ship “Barbaros” so that the joint meeting proceeds unhindered.