The Exclusive Economic Zone is in reality a sovereign right of a State? The dispute over the Southeastern Mediterranean natural gas fields

Abstract

Abstract The notion of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a relatively new one. Its gestation during the second half of the 20th century was slow and arduous. But, after its birth, it gained a very important and crucial place within the sector of International Law and especially the branch of the Law of the Sea. Furthermore, it implicates strong and unprecedented geopolitical issues, emerged between a lot of neighbouring states. Pursuant to the rule establishing its notion, the EEZ confers upon a State a sovereign right, subject to a number of restrictions, which do not, nevertheless, affect the core of its integrity. But, in real international life this integrity is seriously jeopardized. International Law, because of its particularity, cannot be equipped by and enjoy the means of forced execution, which are inherent to the national legal system of every sovereign State. The EEZ, as it is provided by the International Law and especially the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea, is not in reality a sovereign right of a State. It depends on the consensus of the State with adjacent coast and overlapping EEZ, which is a ‘prerequisite’ legally not existing.