Athens is clearly distancing itself from statements by Edi Rama about allegedly advanced discussions on the delimitation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with Greece, effectively denying claims of an imminent agreement on a joint submission to the International Court of Justice.

A senior diplomatic source emphasized that although the issue has long been on the agenda between the two countries, the process was “frozen” when the matter of the joint submission was referred to Constitutional Court of Albania, where it was effectively nullified.

Greek Foreign Ministry officials note that while discussions on delimitation date back years, the issue was referred to Albania’s Constitutional Court and lapsed there. Therefore, it is now up to the Albanian side to take the necessary steps to reverse that court decision.

According to the same source, EEZ delimitation with Albania is no longer among the immediate priorities of Greek diplomacy, particularly following agreements already reached with other countries in the region, such as Italy, as well as Greece’s extension of its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea.

Athens’ strategy does focus on the overall settlement of bilateral issues, but no one is currently confirming that the progress suggested by the Albanian side will materialize within 2026.

Greek officials also stress that there is no draft agreement covering bilateral issues and pending matters between Greece and Albania, contrary to what Rama stated in his interview at the Delphi Forum.

At the same time, Athens responds calmly but clearly to escalating rhetoric from Turkey, stressing that Greek strategy is now more structured and proactive than in the past. The same diplomatic source noted that Greece has consistently presented its positions on the international stage, using tools and initiatives that strengthen its legal and political arguments.

In this context, Maritime Spatial Planning is being promoted as a response to Turkey’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine, while the creation of marine parks is part of a broader strategy to assert sovereign rights against references to “grey zones.”

At the same time, deeper cooperation with major energy companies such as Chevron, along with increased engagement with Libya (including an expected visit by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to Tripoli on April 27), is seen as a practical response to the Turkey–Libya memorandum, which Athens continues to regard as legally invalid.

Meanwhile, strengthening the military presence on the Aegean islands is described as a self-evident exercise of sovereignty, in response to longstanding Turkish claims regarding demilitarization—claims that Greece firmly rejects.

Regarding the recent tension over fishing maps, Greek sources note that the material has existed since 2018 and resurfaced due to a technical publication by a competent authority. They add that Turkey’s reaction fits its familiar practice of using any opportunity to promote its claims.

As for Turkey’s objections to Greek-Israeli cooperation, Athens stresses that its foreign policy does not require approval from third countries. The same source noted, however, that tensions have recently escalated on the Turkish side in a way that is not constructive, while Greece will continue to work toward peace, security, and prosperity in the wider region.