Turkey’s attempts to decouple dialogue with the European Union from the Cyprus issue have been rebuffed, diplomatic sources told Phileleftheros.
During a working lunch between EU Foreign Ministers and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the majority of EU representatives, including Cypriot Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, emphasised the interconnectedness of the Cyprus issue and EU-Turkey relations.
Fidan initially avoided mentioning Cyprus, instead highlighting Turkey’s regional role and its EU accession process. However, EU ministers responded by referencing existing frameworks for EU-Turkey relations, including European Council conclusions and UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.
Kombos pointed out that EU-Turkey relations are bound by established rules and conclusions, linking progress on Cyprus to the broader relationship.
In response, Fidan spoke of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, saying that Cyprus talks have repeatedly collapsed with no benefit for Turkish Cypriots. He also claimed the existence of “two sovereign equal entities” on the island.
The Cypriot side views the discussion as an opportunity for Turkey to hear the EU’s stance on the matter. No decisions were expected from this informal summit, with technical discussions ongoing regarding updates to the Customs Union, the lifting of the arms embargo, and the role of the European Investment Bank.
Kombos, arriving at the informal EU Foreign Affairs Council, stressed that EU leaders have established a framework for future EU-Turkey relations, recognising Turkey’s regional role and obligations.
“Turkey’s role as a regional power is recognised, however, this comes with responsibilities. Its relationship with the European Union has prospects, and these come with requirements,” Kombos stated, adding, “In this framework, the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus problem, and the EU itself are inherently linked. We see the prospects, we show the framework. It is up to Turkey to choose.”
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