Brussels: An amendment tabled by Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela in the context of the vote on Wednesday for the EU budget 2026, for the creation of a memorial at the European Parliament dedicated to victims of the 1974 Turkish invasion, including missing persons, was passed by 71% of MEPs.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the amendment was passed in the context of the European Parliament’s position on the EU budget 2026, which also passed with 384 votes in favour, 202 against, and 58 abstentions. The European Parliament proposes an overall budget of £193.9 billion, ahead of negotiations with EU governments. The MEPs have added £597.8 million to the initial Commission proposal.
In particular, Hadjipantela’s amendment was passed with 445 votes in favour, 118 against, and 61 abstentions. In a press release, his office said that his initiative “was widely supported by his colleagues at the European Parliament, sending a strong political message for the Cyprus problem while at the same time showing the solidarity between member states.”
It added that the amendment tabled by Hadjipantela as shadow rapporteur of the 2026 budget “calls on the European Parliament to consider the allocation of resources to finance the establishment in its premises of a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1974 Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus, including missing persons.”
“Such a memorial in the heart of Europe will have powerful symbolism, reminding every European visitor and member of the European Parliament of Cyprus’ tragedy, which continues to be an open wound for Europe,” the press release noted. In a first statement, Hadjipantela said that “Europe has a duty to remember and to stand by the victims of the Turkish invasion. The memorial at the European Parliament will be a symbol of remembrance, awareness, and historic truth for all Europeans.”