Members of the European Parliament from Cyprus are demanding stricter EU measures toward Turkey, including uniform enforcement of the customs union and Turkey opening its ports to Cyprus. They criticize the EU’s lenient stance compared to its swift sanctions against Russia, urging for consistent and immediate actions in response to Turkey’s actions in Cyprus.
What are MEPs from Cyprus calling for regarding EU’s relationship with Turkey?
Members of the European Parliament from Cyprus are advocating for stricter EU measures toward Turkey. They demand uniform enforcement of the customs union, including Turkey opening its ports to Cyprus, before modernizing EU-Turkey trade ties. MEPs criticize the EU’s lenient stance compared to its swift sanctions against Russia, urging for consistent and immediate actions in response to Turkey’s actions in Cyprus.
European Parliament Members from Cyprus Seek Firmer Stance
In a recent turn of events, Cypriot Members of the European Parliament have urged for a tighter grip on the European Union’s dealings with Turkey. This push comes before the anticipated endorsement of the EU-Turkey report, which has significant implications for both parties. Akel MEP Niyazi Kizilyurek expressed concerns that the EU seems to be extending a hand to Turkey by potentially modernizing the customs union and easing visa restrictions, despite lingering issues that jeopardize this relationship.
Kizilyurek emphasized the need for the customs union to be enforced uniformly across the EU, especially in the Republic of Cyprus. The MEP insisted on Turkey opening its ports to Cyprus as a fundamental condition for upgrading the customs union. This proposed requirement, however, may not sit well with Turkish leadership, potentially leading to a standoff.
A Balancing Act Amidst Political Challenges
The approach to modernizing the EU-Turkey trade ties comes at a delicate time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s language regarding the Cyprus issue has seen a shift; he now speaks of a solution “based on political realities” rather than his earlier two-state solution rhetoric. With the approach of local elections in Turkey, Erdogan’s political maneuvers and alliances, particularly his partnership with the conservative nationalist party MHP Leader Devlet Bahceli, could significantly impact the future of EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus problem.
Comparisons with EU-Russia Relations Highlight Inconsistencies
The European Union’s relationship with Turkey is under scrutiny, especially when juxtaposed with its swift sanctions against Russia. Akel MEP Giorgos Georgiou has criticized what he perceives as a double standard. He argues that while the EU quickly imposed sanctions on Russia, it appears to be lenient towards Turkey, despite Turkey’s actions in Cyprus.
Disy MEP Loukas Fourlas joined the critique, labeling the EU’s stance as an oxymoron and provocative. The MEP alludes to Turkey’s violations and what he calls ‘piracy,’ which he believes should prompt immediate and comparable actions from the EU, akin to the measures taken against Russia.
The Impact of Diplomatic Dynamics on Cyprus
The ongoing diplomatic tussle between the European Union and Turkey has considerable implications for the Cyprus issue. The EU’s strategy and the resulting level of firmness towards Turkey could either pave the way for progress or exacerbate existing tensions. As the MEPs from Cyprus stand united in their call for a more stringent approach, the EU’s response will be critical for the region’s stability and the prospects of resolving the long-standing Cyprus problem.
What are MEPs from Cyprus calling for regarding EU’s relationship with Turkey?
Members of the European Parliament from Cyprus are advocating for stricter EU measures toward Turkey. They demand uniform enforcement of the customs union, including Turkey opening its ports to Cyprus, before modernizing EU-Turkey trade ties. MEPs criticize the EU’s lenient stance compared to its swift sanctions against Russia, urging for consistent and immediate actions in response to Turkey’s actions in Cyprus.
Why do MEPs from Cyprus want stricter EU measures towards Turkey?
MEPs from Cyprus want stricter EU measures towards Turkey because they believe the EU’s lenient stance towards Turkey, compared to its swift sanctions against Russia, is inconsistent and unjustifiable. They argue that Turkey’s actions in Cyprus, such as violations and what they call ‘piracy’, should prompt immediate and comparable actions from the EU.
How could the EU’s stance towards Turkey impact the Cyprus issue?
The EU’s stance towards Turkey has significant implications for the Cyprus issue. If the EU adopts a more stringent approach towards Turkey, it could potentially pave the way for progress in resolving the long-standing Cyprus problem. However, if the EU continues to be lenient towards Turkey, it could exacerbate existing tensions and hinder efforts to find a resolution.
What is the current state of EU-Turkey relations?
The current state of EU-Turkey relations is under scrutiny, with MEPs from Cyprus criticizing what they perceive as a double standard. While the EU imposed swift sanctions on Russia, it appears to be lenient towards Turkey despite Turkey’s actions in Cyprus. The EU is considering modernizing the customs union and easing visa restrictions with Turkey, but there are concerns about the enforcement of the customs union and Turkey’s refusal to open its ports to Cyprus. These issues could potentially lead to a standoff between the EU and Turkey.
