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A new development in the European Parliament marks a significant step forward for displaced people from Cyprus, as their property rights are now formally acknowledged within discussions on future EU funding.
An amendment introduced by Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Michalis Hadjipantela has been incorporated into a key budgetary report that will help shape how EU funds are distributed between 2028 and 2034. The proposal was approved by the Parliament’s Committee on Budgets with a strong majority.
At the heart of the amendment is recognition of a long-standing issue: for decades, many Cypriot landowners have been unable to access or make use of their properties in areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control. The text explicitly frames this situation as a violation of the right to property, as protected under Article 17 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
This acknowledgment is particularly important because it places the issue within the EU’s financial planning framework for the first time. By doing so, it opens the possibility that displaced Cypriots could eventually benefit from European funding mechanisms designed to address or compensate for these limitations.
The amendment also references the unique legal context of Cyprus within the EU, noting that EU law is suspended in certain areas under Protocol No. 10. This condition has contributed to the prolonged inability of rightful owners to access their land.
While the inclusion of the amendment is a notable milestone, it is only an initial step. For any practical outcomes, such as financial support or compensation schemes, to materialize, the position will need to be translated into binding EU legislation and concrete policy measures.
According to Hadjipantela, this move establishes a foundation for future action, aiming to turn long-standing political recognition into tangible results for affected individuals. The initiative gained cross-party support within the Parliament, with backing from members of different political groups playing a key role in its approval.
