Convention between Spain and Italy on the delimitation of the continental shelf

Convenio entre España e Italia sobre delimitación de la plataforma continental entre los dos estados

The purpose of this Agreement is the establishment of the boundary line between the relevant parts of the continental shelf in the Mediterranean Sea over which each of the Parties respectively exercises sovereign rights for exploration and exploitation of natural resources. The mentioned sovereign rights must be exercised without any prejudice to the ecological balance. The criterion used as the basis for the delimitation is the criterion of equidistance from the baselines of the two countries. Article 1, paragraph 3 sets out the coordinates intended for the demarcation. In case that natural resources of a deposit situated on either side of the boundary line between the continental shelves have already been exploited, the Parties shall endeavour to reach agreement on appropriate compensation (art. 2, par. 2). Disputes related to the interpretation or application of the agreement that may arise between the Parties shall be settled through the diplomatic channel. In case of failure of the latter, the dispute may be submitted by either Party to the International Court of Justice.