Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries concerning restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean

On 11 November 2019 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894^[1] concerning restrictive measures in view of Turkey’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This Decision establishes a framework for targeted restrictive measures against persons and entities responsible for or involved in drilling activities in relation to hydrocarbon exploration and production which have not been authorised by the Republic of Cyprus within its territorial sea, in its exclusive economic zone or on its continental shelf.

This includes, in cases where the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf has not been delimited in accordance with international law with a State having an opposite coast, activities which may jeopardise or hamper the reaching of a delimitation agreement.

The Candidate Countries Republic of North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this decision.

They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision.

The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it.

^[1] Published on 12.11.2019 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L 291, p.47.

* – Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.