MacroPolis

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to raise Greece’s concerns about Turkey’s activities in the Eastern Mediterranean when he takes part in a call with EU leaders on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Belarus.

A week of intense diplomatic activity for Greece culminates on Friday with an emergency EU foreign affairs council teleconference and a meeting between Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Vienna.

Just a few days following Turkey’s decision to abstain from seismic research in disputed areas in the Aegean as a gesture of goodwill that could facilitate the beginning of discussions between Athens and Ankara, the situation does not look straightforward and the Greek side is facing difficult decisions.

Athens is on alert after Turkey announce plans, via a NAVTEX advisory on Tuesday, for a seismic survey south and east of the Greek island of Kastellorizo between July 21 and August 2.

Greece is continuing its efforts to fortify its borders with Turkey in the northeastern region of Evros.

Ankara’s intention to begin again drilling works in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as its continuing aggressive tactics in the Aegean will be brought up for discussion during Wednesday’s EU Council of Foreign Affairs by Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias.

Greece, Israel and Cyprus signed on Thursday a historic agreement for the construction of the EastMed pipeline, bolstering their tripartite alliance and shaking things up in terms of the geopolitical implications for the region.

Recent developments mean that it is clear the first months of 2020 will be challenging for Greek-Turkish relations.

Turkey’s actions, particularly its gas drilling off Cyprus’ east coast, are featuring prominently in the political debate in Greece a few days before the general elections.

Turkey appears to be upping the ante in the Eastern Mediterranean as it presented its claims in the area through a collection of maps that were submitted to representatives of the foreign embassies in Ankara, last Friday.