Cyprus MEPs set to abstain or vote against EU Turkey report

Politics European UnionTop Newsturkey Cyprus MEPs set to abstain or vote against EU Turkey report European Union Relevant News Cyprus MEPs set to abstain or vote against EU Turkey report 16 June 2026 Cypriots Worldwide prepares new global edition celebrating diaspora achievements 16 June 2026 These are the seven corruption cases Anastasiades faces 16 June 2026 Ernestos Mousas 16 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The European Parliament is expected to approve its annual progress report on Turkey on Thursday, with Cypriot members of the European Parliament set to abstain or vote against the text. According to information obtained by philenews, none of the six Cypriot MEPs are expected to vote in favour of the report. The report shows a split stance among Cypriot representatives: Loukas Fourlas (EPP / DISY) is expected to abstain Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP / DISY) is expected to abstain Giorgos Georgiou (The Left / AKEL) is expected to abstain Geadis Geadi (ECR / ELAM) is expected to vote against Fidias Panayiotou is still considering his position but is expected to either abstain or vote against No Cypriot MEP is expected to vote in favour The vote is scheduled to take place on Thursday at midday in Strasbourg. Content of the report The progress report, drafted by Spanish MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor of the Socialists and Democrats group, is assessed by Cypriot MEPs as improved compared with previous years. According to their assessment, the text contains a number of references considered aligned with positions on Turkey’s internal situation and Cyprus-related issues. In relation to Cyprus, the report includes references to: withdrawal of Turkish troops settlement policy and population changes respect for sovereignty and sovereign rights appropriation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied north implementation of European court rulings missing persons protection of religious and cultural heritage risks to aviation safety due to Turkish interference restrictions on anti-occupation expression in the occupied north Points of concern raised Despite these references, Cypriot MEPs cite several provisions they consider problematic. The report: attributes a strategic role to Turkey in EU defence and security across five separate references includes positive references to Turkey’s role in developments in Syria calls for renewed negotiations on upgrading the EU–Turkey Customs Union without linking this to Turkey’s obligations regarding Cyprus calls for the resumption of the EU–Turkey High-Level Dialogue, previously suspended due to tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean Questions over draft amendments MEP Costas Mavrides has also raised concerns over changes to the text during drafting. He said that an amendment he submitted referring to the EU acquis was removed from the final draft. According to his assessment, the removal raises questions about the approach of the rapporteur, particularly given broader EU–Turkey relations and evolving diplomatic ties. Cypriot officials note that European Council conclusions and European Commission reports on Turkey include references to the need for application of the EU acquis in any future settlement of the Cyprus issue. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Cypriots Worldwide prepares new global edition celebrating diaspora achievements These are the seven corruption cases Anastasiades faces Anastasiades seeks new probe and Attorney General’s recusal from ‘Mafia State’ case Government spokesman vows zero tolerance over ‘Mafia State’ report Phone use ranks among top causes of Cyprus road deaths Values abroad, compromises everywhere: Europe’s human rights problem Pipe fault leaves large area of Limassol without water Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.