The self-evident threat to the European Union due to Turkey's continued occupation of its territory in Cyprus was highlighted by MEP Costas Mavridis (DIKO, S&D) at the meeting of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, during the discussion with the Danish Minister for European Affairs on the priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
As Mr. Mavridis said in his intervention:
“There are many threats, traditional and hybrid, against the EU. However, one stands out as self-evident but you did not mention it, which I understand since your time was limited: Turkey’s occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. However, Turkey continues its own neo-Ottoman expansionist policy beyond Cyprus and one such example, which Mr. Maniatis already mentioned, concerns Turkey’s so-called Exclusive Economic Zone with the Libyan regime.” Continuing, the Cypriot MEP, addressing the Minister, raised the following question: “The argument is often put forward by certain (European) officials that “we need Turkey” to confront Russian aggression in Ukraine or elsewhere. However, this view is in conflict with the values and community law of the European Union.”
In conclusion, Mr. Mavridis pointedly asked the representative of the Danish Presidency:
"What is your position? Are you on the side of our values and community law, or on the side that wants us to 'use Turkey' in our foreign policy?"
The Danish Minister for European Affairs, representing the Presidency of the Council of the EU, in her response stated that Turkey's accession process has been frozen and at an impasse for years, but Turkey is an important key partner in our foreign policy.
MEP Press Office
16.07.2025
