Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001802/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)
In September 2024, a Greek Cypriot was arrested by the authorities of the illegal, non-recognised, self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ at the Deryneia checkpoint on accusations of espionage. The arrest came after a peaceful visit to the territory of the occupied Deryneia village on 31 August 2024. This is yet another flagrant violation of the rights of Greek Cypriots, who are being deprived of their fundamental rights of living freely and peacefully within the territory of their sovereign country.
This incident raises particular concern as it occurred at a checkpoint on a road that was developed as part of confidence-building measures between the two communities in Cyprus, funded through the EU’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, whose mandate is to promote cooperation and facilitate the reunification process.
- 1.How does the Commission intend to respond to such incidents that undermine the efforts to foster peace and reunification?
- 2.What steps will be taken to address the misuse of EU-funded infrastructure for hostile actions towards EU citizens?
- 3.How will the Commission work to ensure that EU-funded projects are not jeopardised and politicised by the illegal regime?
Submitted: 24.9.2024