The Cypriot problem took centre stage during today’s European Parliament plenary session, with President Roberta Metsola delivering a strong statement regarding the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
As promised in her speech following her re-election yesterday, Metsola emphasised that “the division of a member state is not a national issue but a European one.”
Metsola underscored that “we have the opportunity to heal our wounds and strive for a sovereign country based on UN Security Council resolutions and European values. On this tragic anniversary, we want to show that we are united and stand together.” She added that “the challenges faced by Cyprus are European challenges, and Europe will never be truly united as long as Cyprus remains divided.”
Metsola stated that “this week, the European Parliament commemorates the sad 50th anniversary of July 20 1974, the consequences of which are still visible today. Divisions have no place in Europe, which is why it is important to emphasise that the forced division of an EU member state is not a Cypriot issue but a European one, and we must respond in a European way.”
She continued, “In my inaugural speech as President of the EP (in 2022), I mentioned that Cyprus is not a forgotten corner of the EU, and I reiterated this yesterday as well. The EU was forged from the painful history of our continent. Where we once had war, pain, and bloodshed, we now have meetings in a spirit of cooperation.”
She concluded by saying, “Dear friends, on this sad anniversary, the message from the EP is that we will not turn our gaze away from Cyprus. We are one. The challenges faced by Cyprus are our challenges, and the EU will not be complete, as long as Cyprus is divided.”
She then gave the floor to Cypriot MEPs, one from each political group, to make interventions on the matter.
Taking the floor, MEP Loucas Fourlas from the EPP, thanked President Metsola for her reference to Cyprus. He mentioned that he had requested to speak to highlight that Cyprus is marking 50 years of occupation and displacement. Fourlas sought the EU’s help so that, as Cypriot European citizens, they can live as free citizens in their homeland. “Colleagues, do not forget the invasion and occupation of Cyprus,” he emphasised.
Next, Geadis Geadi from ECR pointed out that “in three days, we mark the start of Turkey’s dark invasion of Cyprus. Turkey invaded and occupied the European territories of the Republic of Cyprus. We demand the obvious: the right to have a European state, support for Cyprus similar to that given to Ukraine, and the right to live as free citizens in our homeland.”
Costas Mavrides from the Socialists and Democrats emphasised that “the Cypriot problem is a European problem, and that is why we are here. More than a third of the Republic of Cyprus is occupied by Turkey. The occupation must end, and the rights of all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus must be restored.”
Finally, Giorgos Georgiou from The Left concluded by saying, “It’s been 50 years since the double crime against the people, from the NATO-backed coup, the Junta, and the Fascist EOKA B. Thousands dead and missing. Colonisation. From you, we ask for practical help, deeds. But most importantly, Europe must support international law, and negotiations must resume from Crans-Montana for a bicommunal, bizonal solution.”
