The European Parliament’s Stance In The Eastern Mediterranean Dispute Between The European Union And Turkey

Authors : Oğuz GÜNER

Pages : 108-121

View : 18 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2021-11-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Energy discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean region have the potential to foster both cooperation and conflict. While the discovery of resources necessitates collaboration among regional countries, it also introduces new variables to the international disputes in the region, making the problems even more complicated. Furthermore, many countries outside the region have been involved in the situation through energy companies, and the region’s importance to great powers is growing day by day. It has been observed that the regional states, Russia, the United States of America insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(USA);, the United Kingdom insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(UK); and the European Union insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EU); have entered the regional competition in order to gain the largest share of these resources and to benefit from the Eastern Mediterranean’s strategic location. Adopting the arguments of its member states on the issue of delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas between Turkey-the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(TRNC); and Greece-the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(GCASC); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(internationally recognized as the Republic of Cyprus);, the EU has described any activity undertaken by Turkey in areas it has declared as its own continental shelf but which are also claimed by the GCASC and Greece for themselves as a violation of its member states` sovereign rights. The EU has made numerous decisions blaming Turkey for its use of exploration and drilling vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the Turkish Naval Forces flying a flag in these areas. The overlap between Turkey’s declared maritime areas and parts of the continental shelf claimed by the GCASC and Greece is at the heart of the EU-Turkey dispute. This study aims to discuss the role of the European Parliament, which is one of the legislative branches of the EU. The European Parliament adopted resolutions, issued releases and explicitly warned Turkey to refrain from any kind of activities in the disputed areas. The study elaborates how the European Parliament reacted to the developments following Turkey’s activities in the region. The European Parliament has reacted negatively against Turkey so far. However, as a representative of European nations, The Parliament may contribute to resolution in the island and became an actor for the peace.
Keywords : Eastern Mediterranean, European Union, European Parliment, Turkey, Cyprus