Brussels: A reference to Cypriot displaced persons is included in an amendment incorporated into the final text of the report on the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, which was adopted on Wednesday by the European Parliament's Committee on Budgets (BUDG). The report was approved with 26 votes in favour, 9 against and 5 abstentions, and sets out Parliament's negotiating position for the EU budget for the 2028-2034 period.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the text incorporates an amendment by DISY MEP, Michalis Hadjipantela, which refers to Protocol No. 10 on Cyprus, noting that the application of the EU acquis is suspended in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus where the government does not exercise effective control. The amendment highlights that this situation has, for decades, prevented lawful landowners from accessing, using and enjoying their property, referring to the right to property as protected under Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
In a related statement, the MEP stressed that the content of the amendment constitutes the first decisive step towards claiming European funding for Cypriot displaced persons. He added that the next critical step is to reflect this position in specific legislative acts of the European Union, so that it acquires binding force and leads to the creation of effective implementation mechanisms.
At the same time, MEPs approved their position on the next long-term EU budget, which for the 2028-2034 period should be set at 1.27% of the Union's gross national income. The proposal foresees a 10% increase compared to the Commission's initial proposal, with additional resources allocated across key policy areas, while the servicing of the NextGenerationEU debt remains outside the budget ceilings.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.