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Cyprus is waking up to what officials are calling a “historic” moment after finally sealing an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement with Lebanon, a deal that had been stuck in limbo for nearly two decades.
The agreement, signed in Beirut, sets the maritime boundaries between the two countries and effectively unlocks new possibilities in the region’s energy sector. Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the deal reflects “the satisfaction of the entire Republic of Cyprus,” calling it an important step for both energy planning and broader regional cooperation.
“This was a pending issue since 2007,” he said. “It’s the first necessary step before discussing potential deposits and joint exploitation.”
A Sign of Regional Alignment
The government is also highlighting the agreement’s timing: it comes just weeks before Cyprus takes over the presidency of the Council of the EU. Officials say this sends a political message that Cyprus continues to anchor its foreign policy and its energy ambitions in international law.
Letymbiotis also addressed the planned electrical interconnection with Lebanon, noting that the deal shows how cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean can only move forward “through international law and mutual respect.”
Turkey Pushes Back
As expected, Ankara reacted sharply to the agreement, accusing Nicosia of sidelining Turkish Cypriots. Letymbiotis shot back, saying Cyprus is simply defending its sovereign rights and urging Turkey to return to the negotiating table if it truly cares about the interests of Turkish Cypriots.
“If Turkey wants the benefit of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, it should drop demands for a two-state solution,” he said.
International law expert Charalambos Chrysostomou explained that the agreement essentially revises and ratifies a deal first drafted in 2007, one that stalled due to objections from Hezbollah and unresolved Lebanon–Israel maritime boundaries. Those issues were settled in 2022 with U.S. mediation, but the Gaza war once again shifted the regional dynamics.
Chrysostomou said Cyprus often “either inflates or demonizes events,” but in this case the deal simply closes a long-standing file and strengthens Cyprus’ regional standing. He added that it also chips away at Turkey’s “blue homeland” doctrine, which disputes the rights of island states in maritime zones.
Strengthening Cyprus’ Position
Former Defense Minister Charalambos Petrides called the move “a strategic step” that boosts Cyprus’ geopolitical role and strengthens its credibility as a stable partner in the region, something he said benefits not just Cyprus but the EU as a whole.
“This gives Cyprus the legal framework it needs for research and resource exploration, and it signals stability,” he said.
Parties Welcome the Deal
- Across the political spectrum, parties in Cyprus welcomed the agreement.
- DISY called it a “particularly important” development reflecting a long-term strategic relationship with Lebanon.
- DIKO noted the deal dates back to the Papadopoulos presidency and reinforces Cyprus’ sovereign rights.
- EDEK highlighted that the agreement upholds the Law of the Sea and pushes back against Turkey’s “blue homeland” claims.
- The Hellenic Maritime Administration said the deal sends a clear message to Ankara to respect international law.
- ELAM called it a diplomatic success that finally closes an 18-year-old file.
For the government, the next phase will focus on exploring potential energy deposits in the newly clarified zone, a step officials say could reshape the region’s energy future.
