Turkey appears to be deliberately delaying the introduction of its "Blue Homeland" legislation, holding it back from the...

Turkey appears to be deliberately delaying the introduction of its "Blue Homeland" legislation, holding it back from the Turkish National Assembly's agenda until at least November, according to multiple converging sources cited by Kathimerini. The bill, which would formally codify Turkey's expansive maritime claims across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, was originally expected to be submitted this autumn. Ankara's timing is being read as a calculated wait-and-see posture, with Turkish officials watching how two key Greek moves unfold. The first is the progress of the Great Sea Interconnector, the Greece-Cyprus undersea electricity cable that is already significantly behind schedule. The second is any Greek decision to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles at select points, primarily near Crete, a move that Athens can make unilaterally and at a time of its own choosing. The cable project is adding another layer of friction. Turkey is insisting that the vessel carrying out the cable-laying operation must formally notify the Turkish Foreign Ministry directly, citing what Ankara describes as its rights as a coastal state under its own interpretation of international law. There is now speculation that the cable-laying ship may end up sailing under a third country's flag rather than a French one, specifically to sidestep this demand. French interests control the majority stake in the project and are reportedly feeling the pressure of the construction delays. Erdogan, speaking yesterday, stated that "mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is our fundamental principle," a formulation that reflects Turkey's framing of the entire dispute. Adding to the complexity, France and Turkey last week signed a defense cooperation roadmap in early October, and the French frigate FS Surcouf made a port visit to Marmaris and conducted joint exercises with the Turkish frigate TCG Gokova, a development that will be closely watched in Athens. #GreeceTurkey #BluHomeland #GreatSeaInterconnector