Libya's Parliament Flips, Backs Turkey's Mediterranean Power Play as Greece and EU Cry Foul

Libya's House of Representatives has reversed its earlier rejection of a 2019 maritime agreement with Turkey, approving a deal that redraws maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean and could shift the balance of power in the region [268528][266651]. Turkey welcomed the decision, while Greece, Egypt, and the European Union repeated their objections [268528].

The 2019 deal, signed with Libya's previous government, set maritime boundaries in the region and gave Turkey access to waters that Greece and others also claim [268528]. Those countries say the agreement violates international law [268528]. The House of Representatives, based in eastern Libya, had rejected the deal before; its reversal signals closer ties between eastern Libya and Ankara [268528]. Turkey already backs the western government in Tripoli and has military ties across Libya [268528].

The dispute matters because the Eastern Mediterranean holds gas reserves and key shipping routes, and any change in maritime claims can affect energy exploration and naval access for several countries [268528]. Turkey says the deal protects its rights, while Greece, Egypt, and the EU argue it ignores their claims [268528]. No new negotiations have been announced [268528].

The approval also deepens divisions with rivals who reject the agreement [266651]. The move marks a major change in Libya's politics after years of opposing Ankara [266651].