Brussels: The European Parliament has passed a resolution concerning Turkey’s accession path, alongside a report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Turkey. This resolution, drafted by Spanish MEP Nacho S¡nchez Amor, was approved on Wednesday and includes an oral amendment condemning Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to the Turkish-occupied regions of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the resolution saw 629 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) casting their votes, with 367 in favor, 74 against, and 188 abstentions. The oral amendment, introduced by Amor at the behest of Cypriot MEPs, expresses the European Parliament’s deep concern over unilateral actions that could permanently divide Cyprus rather than facilitate its reunification. The amendment specifically condemns Erdogan’s visit and his provocative statements, which are seen as jeopardizing efforts by the United Nations, the European Union, and the international community to resume substantial negotiations.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has remained elusive, often hindered by Turkish resistance. The latest talks, held in July 2017 at Crans-Montana in Switzerland, ended without any significant progress.
The UN Secretary-General announced an informal meeting on Cyprus at the end of July, following a previous meeting in Geneva in March. During these discussions, both sides agreed on several initiatives, including the opening of crossing points and the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth, aimed at fostering cooperation in the buffer zone and throughout Cyprus.
In early May, UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres appointed Mara Angela Holgun Cu©llar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus. Her role is to engage with the involved parties to determine the next steps for resolving the Cyprus issue and to provide advice to the Secretary-General. Holgun had previously served as the Personal Envoy on Cyprus from January to July 2024.