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The European Commission on Wednesday called on Turkey to renew its support for United Nations-led talks aimed at resolving the Cyprus dispute, while criticizing Ankara’s ongoing refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus and its push for a two-state arrangement.
In its 2026 report on Turkey, released as part of the annual enlargement package, the Commission stated that Turkey has continued to reject recognition of the Republic of Cyprus and has blocked the island nation’s bids to join or lead several international organizations. The report also faulted Turkey for repeatedly backing a two-state solution, a stance that runs counter to long-standing United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos told members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee that the European Union places strong importance on restarting and advancing negotiations. She said Turkey should reaffirm its commitment to the process and refrain from unilateral steps that could heighten tensions and delay a return to formal talks.
The report detailed several recent developments that Brussels views as problematic. In July 2026, Turkey signed a memorandum with the breakaway administration in the north for construction of an undersea natural gas pipeline. The agreement proceeded without approval from the government of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey has also pressed ahead with plans for a cross-border electricity connection in areas outside the Republic’s effective control.
Military activity remained a point of friction. Turkish exercises continued in maritime zones claimed by Cyprus, while drone flights occurred in the island’s flight information region and national airspace. Ankara further upgraded facilities at the Lefkoniko drone base and the Bogazi naval base. Temporary increases in military presence, including F-16 jets and air defense systems, were recorded in connection with regional developments involving Iran. Harassment of Cypriot fishing vessels and illegal fishing by Turkish boats also persisted, according to the report.
On Varosha, the Commission noted that Turkey has not reversed steps taken to open the fenced-off area, solidifying changes on the ground. Restrictions imposed on United Nations peacekeepers inside the zone in 2022 remain in place, contrary to Security Council Resolution 789 of 1992. The Commission demanded that Turkey immediately reverse the unilateral actions announced on July 20, 2021, along with subsequent measures introduced since October 2020 that conflict with relevant Security Council decisions.
The European Union reaffirmed its full support for a comprehensive settlement under United Nations auspices. In July 2026 the Commission named Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto as its Special Representative for Cyprus. His role includes backing UN reunification efforts and helping restart formal negotiations.
The report also recalled that Turkey has yet to meet obligations stemming from its 2005 declaration and successive Council conclusions. These include full, non-discriminatory application of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and the removal of remaining barriers to the free movement of goods, such as restrictions on direct transport links with the Republic of Cyprus.
Commissioner Kos observed parallel growth in practical cooperation between the EU and Turkey on issues such as regional security, trade, climate policy, and migration. She said the Union has a strategic interest in a constructive relationship that reflects current European realities. At the same time, she warned that tensions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean could create complications and stressed that Turkey must respect international law, good neighborly relations, and the sovereignty of EU member states.
The report concluded that no unauthorized drilling by Turkey has taken place in the Eastern Mediterranean since early 2021. The Council extended the framework of restrictive measures related to such activities until the end of November 2026.
For a newspaper audience in the Republic of Cyprus, the Commission’s message was clear: progress on Cyprus remains central to any meaningful advance in EU-Turkey relations.
