Egypt signs an agreement with Greece delimiting their exclusive economic zones.
Author : Mira Hamad Published at : Aug 6, 2020
Mira Hamad
On 6 August 2020, Egypt and Greece signed an agreement delimiting their exclusive economic zones (EEZ). It entered into force on September 2020.
The agreement provides for what it explicitly describes as a partial delimitation of the EEZ between the two States [Article 1(a)]. In other words, the delimitation effected by the agreement is not comprehensive, but instead addresses only a defined segment of the limit seperating both EEZs.
Notably, the agreement deliberately excludes certain areas from its scope, in particular the maritime zones surrounding Kastellorizo Island and part of the eastern coast of Rhodes. It further provides that the delimitation beyond the terminal points identified as (A) and (E) is to be addressed at a later stage. This future delimitation is to take place through consultations between the parties, specifically in the context of any subsequent negotiations involving other “concerned neighbouring States”.
The agreement also introduces a limitation on how these terminal points may be adjusted in the future. It provides that any such modification is restricted in scope: point (A) may only be shifted eastward, while point (E) may only be shifted westward [Article 1(d)].
The agreement expressly safeguards the rights of third States. It includes obligations of prior notification and consultation where either party enters into negotiations with a third State whose maritime zones overlap with those of both parties [Article 1(e)].
At the same time, the delimitation line agreed upon is characterized as final and binding between the parties [Article 1(b)], and the agreement provides that it may not be denounced, withdrawn from, or suspended [Article 4(a)].
The delimitation line is defined by geographical coordinates set out in Annex I and depicted on a hydrographic chart in Annex II [Article 1(b)-(c)]. The agreement also provides for an obligation to cooperate where natural resources extend across the boundary [Article 2] and for the settlement of disputes through diplomatic means [Article 3].