Publication

This Briefing identifies favorable circumstances for resolving the long-standing issues between Turkey and Greece regarding the Aegean Sea. While Ankara fears losing access to open seas and the Aegean continental shelf, and Athens worries about the security of hundreds of its islands, continuing deadlock is costly for both. Greece, in financial crisis, needs to reduce a disproportionate military budget. Turkey’s new government, elected with a strong majority in June, needs to ensure its neighbor’s stability and further assert itself as a responsible regional player.