On 22 July Greek diplomatic sources explained to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini that a formal response to recent Libyan diplomatic notes in the maritime border dispute is being prepared, relying on ‘fully documented, strictly legal arguments’. They stressed that, although such notes have no immediate legal effect, they will matter in future judicial proceedings. Despite persistent tensions, Athens has noted that Libya has informally adhered to the median line in disputed maritime zones. Greece is actively engaging both of Libya’s rival governments through ongoing diplomatic channels.
On 23 July during an interview with Skai TV, Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis invited the Tripoli government to engage in discussions for the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). He underlined that Greece engages with both sides in Libya and reiterated that the 2019 maritime MoU between Libya and Turkey has no legal effect. Mitwotakis added ‘Greece has the EU on its side, as well as strategic cooperation with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Libya, both sides, must decide whether it wants to align with its immediate neighbour, which offers a gateway to the EU, or remain exclusively aligned with Turkey, which uses it as a tool.’
On the same day, PM Mitsotakis had a phone call with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in which they discussed current regional developments, including the political process in Libya and the maritime border dispute, focusing on the Libyan diplomatic notes to the UN. Both agreed on the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between them on maritime border demarcation in order to promote development and prosperity for all nations in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
On 24 July, it was revealed that several Greek Members of the European Parliament are informally urging the Parliament, the European Commission, and at the European External Action Service (EEAS) to consider sanctions on Libya in the case there is no negotiated settlement of the maritime dispute.