Brussels: Developments regarding the Cyprus issue took center stage in the European Parliament's Resolution on the European Commission's 2025 Report on Turkey. The plenary session saw the resolution adopted with 381 votes in favor, 107 against, and 171 abstentions, as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) reiterated their support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus, urging Turkey to abandon its two-state stance.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the resolution commends the United Nations Secretary-General's efforts to reignite discussions on the Cyprus issue, highlighting the appointment of a Personal Envoy for Cyprus. It also calls on the European Commission to promptly appoint a new EU Special Envoy. The European Parliament maintains a firm position that a fair, comprehensive, viable, and democratic settlement within the United Nations framework is the only acceptable solution, emphasizing a single international legal personality, sovereignty, citizenship, and political equality as outlined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The resolution underscores the need for the desired settlement to align with agreed convergences, the UN Secretary-General's framework, and the principles and values of the European Union and international law. The swift resumption of negotiations for Cyprus's reunification under the UN Secretary-General's guidance, from the point they halted in Crans-Montana in 2017, is encouraged.
Furthermore, the European Parliament urges Turkey to retract its support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, recommending a return to the agreed basis for resolution as defined by United Nations resolutions and the UN framework. The resolution acknowledges the informal meetings held under UN auspices in Geneva and New York in 2025, along with interactions between Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman, which highlighted a shared objective of resolving the Cyprus issue based on political equality.
The resolution also prompts the European Union and its member states to robustly support continued dialogue, standing prepared to contribute to the process's success. Additionally, the European Parliament calls on Turkey to respect the Green Line's status and UNFICYP's mandate, advocating for cooperation between Cyprus, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations for demilitarization measures along the Green Line to create favorable conditions for UN-led discussions.
The resolution addresses Turkey's presence in Strovilia, urging troop withdrawal and adherence to the Pyla agreement, as well as refraining from actions that could perpetuate Cyprus's division or alter its demographic composition. It condemns ongoing efforts to open and settle Varosha, calling for the area to be returned to its lawful inhabitants under United Nations administration, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 550 and 789.
Expressing regret over attempts to turn Varosha into a dark tourism site, the resolution condemns the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties and destruction of cultural and religious monuments, while commending the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage's work.
For the Turkish Cypriot community, the resolution encourages Turkey to allow them to function as a legitimate community of the Republic of Cyprus and calls on the European Commission to intensify engagement to facilitate a solution. It emphasizes the Committee on Missing Persons' work and seeks improved access to military zones and archives regarding missing persons' remains.
Cyprus's division since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third, and the status of Varosha as a 'ghost town' are highlighted. UN Security Council resolutions 550 and 789 remain pivotal in addressing the attempts to settle Varosha and extend United Nations control to the area. The resolution also references the UN Secretary-General's informal meetings on Cyprus, led by Mara Angela Holgun, aimed at engaging parties in dialogue.