Strasbourg: Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voiced their concerns over Turkey’s potential involvement in the European Union’s (EU) joint defence strategy, citing its ongoing occupation of northern Cyprus, an EU member state.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the issue was raised during a European Parliament session in Strasbourg, where MEPs debated the White Paper on Defence. The debate highlighted the complex geopolitical dynamics, with Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasizing the importance of a joint defence mechanism as a preventive measure. He urged all MEPs to support the White Paper, which outlines the EU’s strategic defence objectives.
The Special European Council, held on March 6, determined that the EU will allocate up to 800 billion euros to bolster its defence capabilities. Following this decision, the European Council and Commission Presidents briefed NATO member states, including Turkey, about the planned defence measures.
EPP and DISI MEP Loukas Fourlas stressed that the White Paper aims to establish a European force to safeguard its borders. However, he opposed Turkey’s participation in this initiative, citing its ongoing occupation of Cyprus and failure to comply with sanctions against Russia or designate Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Giorgos Georgiou, representing AKEL and The Left, criticized the Council’s decision to invest heavily in defence, expressing concerns over potential economic repercussions for European citizens. He argued that a unified foreign policy is crucial for effective joint defence, but noted resistance among EU leaders, who he accused of exploiting Turkey’s strategic role to secure Ukraine’s support while eyeing the country’s natural resources.
Gadis Geadi of ELAM and the European Conservatives and Reformists group supported the joint defence strategy due to rising geopolitical threats. However, he condemned Turkey’s claims of being integral to Europe’s defence architecture and advocated for sanctions against the nation.
Costas Mavrides, representing DIKO and S and D, highlighted the contradiction in considering Turkey as an ally despite its ongoing occupation of Cyprus and territories in Syria and Iraq. He called for an end to what he described as the EU’s ‘hypocrisy’ in its relations with Turkey, a NATO member state.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace negotiations, the conflict remains unresolved, with the most recent talks in Crans-Montana in July 2017 ending without agreement.