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Fidias Panayiotou, a Cypriot Member of the European Parliament, has sparked controversy after openly admitting in a televised interview that he did not read the European Union’s budget, saying he simply “didn’t have time because he was in Cyprus.”
The comments were made during a discussion on Greek TV channel “Vergina”, where the MEP appeared to struggle with several basic policy questions, including key EU procedures and foreign policy positions.
When asked about the EU budget, the MEP said he had not read it at all. He also admitted he was unfamiliar with the EU’s Green Line Regulation, which governs movement and trade between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied north.
As the interview went on, the situation appeared to become more difficult for the young politician, who was also questioned about the EU’s latest report on Turkey.
He said he supports the idea of Turkey becoming a “strategic partner” of the EU, arguing that cooperation would allow for more influence and pressure through engagement.
However, he also acknowledged there is no clear position within his political group on the Cyprus problem. At the same time, he noted that by voting for the EU report on Turkey, he is effectively accepting the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation as a basis for a Cyprus settlement.
The remarks have triggered criticism online and in political circles, with many questioning how an elected EU lawmaker can admit to not having read key legislative documents while taking positions on major foreign policy issues.
The interview has reignited debate in Cyprus about political preparedness, representation in Brussels, and the level of detail lawmakers engage with before making decisions that affect both the EU and Cyprus.
