EU Takes Firm Stance Against Any Move to ‘Upgrade’ Northern Cyprus

Greek Cypriot daily Kathimerini reported that the document, sent on January 15 in the context of efforts to extend the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), makes clear that the EU rejects actions that could be interpreted as steps toward recognition or an enhanced international status for Northern Cyprus.

According to the report, the EEAS document underlines that the European Union will continue to oppose similar initiatives should they emerge in the future. It also reflects political support for the positions of the Greek Cypriot side on the Cyprus issue.

The document reportedly refers to past efforts by the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey to obtain observer status within the Organization of Turkic States, stating that the EU would react to any comparable attempts in the future.

It also recalls commitments made by the EU and its Central Asian partners at a meeting in Samarkand in April 2025, where all parties agreed to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states within regional and international forums and to refrain from activities contrary to these principles.

According to Kathimerini, the English-language document also expresses expectations regarding the convening of a five-party conference on Cyprus, the resumption of direct negotiations, and the role the EU could play in the process.

The EEAS further reiterates the EU’s established position on the fenced-off area of Varosha, stressing that United Nations Security Council resolutions on Varosha must be respected.