The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Cyprus on its path toward reunification, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola declared during a parliamentary debate on Wednesday.
Speaking to the European Parliament, Metsola highlighted the significance of last month’s expanded meeting on the Cyprus issue in Geneva, describing it as a vital step toward reuniting the island.
“This parliament stands firmly behind the United Nations-led process, recognizing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable routes to a sustainable resolution,” she emphasized. Metsola urged all parties to capitalize on this progress, calling for them to “seize this momentum and turn opportunity into hope.”
She reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Cyprus, stating, “Europe will always stand by Cyprus as we explore ways forward. The journey to reunification is challenging, but we will walk it together—with patience, persistence, and the belief that our generation can chart the course ahead.”
Disy MEP Loucas Fourlas expressed gratitude for Metsola’s remarks, noting their timeliness at “another pivotal moment for my country.” He underscored the renewed push to resume talks, aiming for a solution that ensures the withdrawal of Turkish troops, the elimination of guarantees, and the establishment of a European state grounded in EU principles and values. Fourlas called for greater EU involvement, asserting, “Europe is our sole source of support and security. A European Cyprus cannot remain a hostage to Turkey.”
Diko MEP Costas Mavrides voiced support for Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ efforts to expel Turkish occupying forces, end the occupation, and resolve the Cyprus issue in line with the European acquis communautaire and UN resolutions. He sharply criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas for failing to challenge Turkey’s occupation of EU territory with the same resolve shown toward Russia, accusing them of instead advancing Turkey’s role in Europe’s defense. “This is unacceptable and does not deceive European citizens. It’s time to terminate neo-Ottoman Turkey’s EU accession process,” Mavrides argued.
Greek MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou, from the far-right Patriots for Europe group, rejected the revival of negotiations based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Calling it a “failed proposal” overwhelmingly rejected by Cypriots in the 2004 referendum, she warned it was returning in an even more detrimental form in 2025.
She questioned the equivalence drawn between Cyprus’ legitimate president and what she termed “Ankara’s installed puppet,” arguing that confidence-building measures and crossing points have bolstered Turkey’s occupation regime and emboldened its push for a two-state solution. Latinopoulou concluded, “The EU will prove itself a true union when Cypriot and Greek flags fly over Famagusta.”
Elam MEP Geadis Geadi echoed her opposition to the bizonal, bicommunal federation, questioning why it persists despite its rejection in 2004. “Rather than demanding an end to the occupation, we are legitimizing the illegality and war crimes of the Turkish invasion,” he said. “The federation merely turns an illegal de facto partition into a legal de jure one, disregarding the people’s will.”
In contrast, Dutch Volt MEP Reinier van Landschot advocated for more crossing points along the 180-kilometer ceasefire line, noting the current limitation of just nine. “Can you imagine that?” he asked, emphasizing the need for greater connectivity.
Finally, Akel MEP Giorgos Georgiou insisted that Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar abandon their two-state and sovereign equality stance. He argued that any EU-Turkey concessions must hinge on resolving the Cyprus problem, tying progress in bilateral relations to a just outcome for the island.
