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European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has challenged a maritime agreement between Türkiye and Libya, arguing that it infringes on the sovereign rights of third countries, during talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Brussels on Wednesday.
The meeting at the European External Action Service addressed several regional and international issues, with the Cyprus settlement process and relations between neighbouring countries among the main subjects raised by Kallas.
Following the talks, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said progress towards a Cyprus settlement remained a priority. An EU official confirmed that Kallas had specifically raised the Cyprus issue and the maritime memorandum with Fidan.
The discussion came after a vote in Libya on Tuesday concerning the maritime memorandum of understanding with Türkiye. Kallas objected to the agreement on the grounds that it infringes on the sovereign rights of other states.
The maritime deal has been a source of dispute in the eastern Mediterranean, where competing maritime claims have implications for regional relations and the rights of neighbouring countries, including Cyprus.
Security in the Black Sea was another key subject. Kallas called for increased pressure on Russia to bring its war against Ukraine to an end, pointing to the dangers posed by the escalation of hostilities in the region.
She also said the EU and Türkiye shared support for an arrangement guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
The talks covered developments in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, where threats to regional stability and international shipping remain significant concerns for European foreign policy.
Kallas condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia and Yemen, describing the tactics used as terrorist in nature and calling for them to stop.
She also addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of making maritime transport more dangerous and costly. Kallas called for freedom of navigation to be restored and opposed the imposition of tolls or fees on shipping.
The meeting reflects the range of issues shaping relations between the EU and Türkiye, from the Cyprus question and eastern Mediterranean maritime disputes to security challenges affecting European interests in neighbouring regions.
