Source: European Parliament
The Council, in its December 2023 conclusions on Enlargement, reiterated its expectations that Türkiye unequivocally commits to good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and fulfils its obligations under the Negotiating Framework, including the full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement towards all Member States. Recognition of all Member States is essential.
Türkiye must normalise its relations with the Republic of Cyprus and respect the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all EU Member States, as well as all their sovereign rights.
In this regard, the European Council has repeatedly stated the determination of the European Union to use the instruments and options at its disposal to defend its interests and those of its Member States as well as to uphold regional stability[1].
It is noted that the Council’s Decision (CFSP) 2019/1894 was adopted in view of Türkiye’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Council remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN-agreed framework, in accordance with all relevant UNSC resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded, and the acquis. It remains crucial that Türkiye commits and contributes to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects.
The EU calls for the speedy resumption of negotiations and is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process. The Council recalls the importance of the status of Varosha, condemns all Türkiye’s unilateral actions that run contrary to UN Security Council resolutions, and reiterates its calls for their immediate reversal.
It should be further noted that the European Council, in its conclusions of April 2024, reiterated the particular importance it attaches to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation.
In these conclusions, the European Council also welcomed the appointment of the new UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Ms Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, and reiterated the EU’s readiness to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process.
- [1] See for example European Council, 25 March 2021 — Statement of the Members of the European Council