Five years after Greece officially expanded its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea from 6 to 12 nautical miles, the issue has once again returned to the center of regional political debate. The renewed attention comes after recent statements by Greece’s Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, who described the move as one of the most significant acts of Greek foreign policy in recent decades.
For Albania and the wider Western Balkans, this development is not just a historical milestone—it carries important geopolitical, legal, and diplomatic implications that continue to shape relations in the Ionian and Eastern Mediterranean regions.
Background: Greece’s Decision in the Ionian Sea
In January 2021, the Greek Parliament overwhelmingly approved the extension of territorial waters in the Ionian Sea from 6 to 12 nautical miles. This decision was presented by the Greek government as the exercise of a sovereign right, fully aligned with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
At the time, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece had expanded its territorial reach by more than 10%, not through military force or at the expense of other nations, but through lawful means recognized by international norms.
For Albania, a neighboring country with overlapping maritime interests in the Ionian Sea, the move immediately raised concerns about maritime boundaries, resource access, and long-term regional balance.
Nikos Dendias’ Recent Statements: A Message Beyond the Past
In a recent post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Nikos Dendias revisited the decision, stressing that Greece did not merely declare its rights—it actively implemented them. He underlined that the expansion was carried out in practice, not just in political rhetoric, reinforcing Greece’s interpretation of its sovereign rights under international law.
Dendias also recalled his personal role in presenting the initiative to the Greek Parliament during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, describing it as an honor and a defining moment in his political career.
Most notably, Dendias stated that Greece reserves the right to expand its territorial waters in other areas as well, signaling that the Ionian Sea expansion may only be the first step in a broader maritime strategy.
Why This Matters for Albania
For Albanians, especially policymakers, analysts, and the public, these statements are highly significant. Albania and Greece have a long history of complex maritime negotiations, including a maritime boundary agreement that was annulled by Albania’s Constitutional Court in 2010.
Any further expansion of Greek territorial waters—especially in areas closer to Albanian maritime zones—could directly affect:
- Albania’s access to maritime resources
- Energy exploration potential in the Ionian Sea
- Fishing rights and economic activities
- Long-term sovereignty considerations
The renewed rhetoric from Greek officials suggests that maritime issues are far from settled, making it essential for Albania to remain vigilant and proactive in defending its national interests.
Foreign Minister Gerapetritis: Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable
Adding further weight to Dendias’ message, Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis stated from the Greek Parliament that additional expansions of territorial waters would happen soon. He firmly declared that issues of sovereignty are not, and will never be, subject to negotiation.
This strong language reinforces Greece’s position and sends a clear diplomatic signal—not only to Albania, but to all neighboring countries in the region—that Athens intends to continue exercising what it views as its full sovereign rights under international law.
International Law vs. Regional Stability
While UNCLOS allows states to extend territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles, the practical application in semi-enclosed seas, such as the Ionian and the Eastern Mediterranean, often leads to disputes. This is especially true when coastlines are close and maritime zones overlap.
For Albania, the challenge lies in balancing:
- Respect for international law
- Protection of national sovereignty
- Maintaining stable relations with Greece
- Advancing EU integration goals
Any escalation or unilateral move risks complicating diplomatic relations and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans.
What Comes Next?
Five years after the initial decision, Greece’s renewed emphasis on territorial waters suggests that maritime sovereignty will remain a top priority in its foreign policy agenda. For Albania, this means that maritime diplomacy, legal preparedness, and international engagement are more important than ever.
Whether through bilateral dialogue, international arbitration, or multilateral frameworks, Albania must ensure that its voice is heard and its rights are safeguarded in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Conclusion
The expansion of Greece’s territorial waters in the Ionian Sea was not just a technical legal move—it was a strategic decision with long-lasting regional consequences. As Greek officials now hint at further expansions, Albania and other neighboring countries must carefully assess the implications and respond with clarity, unity, and respect for international law.
Five years later, the message from Athens is clear: the issue is not closed.
5 χρόνια από την υπερψήφιση από τη Βουλή των Ελλήνων της επέκτασης των χωρικών μας υδάτων στο #Ιόνιο, από τα 6 στα 12 ναυτικά μίλια, την οποία είχα την τιμή να εισηγηθώ στην εθνική αντιπροσωπεία, ως Υπουργός Εξωτερικών.
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) January 20, 2026
Η Ελλάδα δεν περιορίστηκε απλώς στη διακήρυξη… pic.twitter.com/83rw3sUTC5