Cyprus’s Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos has defended the country’s approach towards Turkey at a European Parliament hearing, rejecting claims that Nicosia pursues a policy of exclusion whilst noting that Ankara must recognise the Republic of Cyprus as a fundamental principle for partnership.
Appearing before the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) alongside Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Kombos faced questions about Cyprus’s stance on Turkish participation in EU defence projects, particularly the SAFE initiative, and the prospects for EU-Turkey customs union modernisation during Cyprus’s rotating EU presidency.
The hearing on Thursday highlighted tensions between Cyprus’s position and pressure from some EU member states seeking greater Turkish involvement in European security structures, with Turkey rapporteur Nacho Sánchez Amor leading questioning on why Turkish participation in SAFE remains blocked.
“This is not a presidency which is directed against Turkey, and is not being used against Turkey,” Kombos stated, addressing concerns about Cyprus’s six-month EU presidency term.
Cyprus minister rejects claims of blocking Turkey from EU defence projects
The Spanish socialist MEP Sánchez Amor reminded Kombos of Turkey’s participation in defence and security structures outside SAFE, emphasising Turkey’s NATO role whilst seeking explanations for the blockage. Several EU member states want Turkish involvement, he noted, pressing the Cypriot minister on Nicosia’s intentions regarding EU-Turkey customs union arrangements both during and after the Cyprus presidency.
Kombos responded by outlining Cyprus’s policy framework, stating: “We extended invitations publicly which were publicly rejected,” referring to invitations to Turkish leadership to attend summits in Cyprus.
“Cyprus does not follow a policy of excluding Turkey; compromises must be made by that country which seeks to be a partner,” the foreign minister said.
Addressing what he termed a fundamental principle, Kombos emphasised: “This is not a Europe of 26, this is a Europe of 27,” reminding the committee that Turkey follows a policy of “non-recognition” of the Republic of Cyprus rather than the reverse.
“For the Cypriot side there is no distinction and it is difficult to make a separation between becoming a member (membership) or acquiring a partnership (partnership),” he added.
Cyprus presidency seeks mutually beneficial EU-Turkey relations
On the customs union question, Kombos referred to the Varhelyi-Borrell report, which has set the course to be followed regarding Turkey, confirming that Cyprus continues to support the specific report.
“There is no obstruction to Turkey’s participation (in European structures) but there are specific choices that must be made (implying the Turkish side) on the basis of principles that apply to all Europeans, which we follow and expect that candidate countries for accession will do the same,” the minister stated.
Regarding SAFE, he explained that it constitutes a legal instrument binding all parties with its provisions, particularly regarding terms and requirements for a country’s participation.
In his opening remarks on Ukraine, Kombos did not omit reminding the committee of Cyprus’s case, with a large portion under occupation by Turkey, which is itself a candidate country for EU membership.
Deputy Minister Raouna, in her opening statement to AFET, said Turkey remains a candidate country and the Cyprus presidency does not constitute a period of inactivity for EU-Turkey relations.
“On the contrary,” Raouna stated, “it can constitute exactly the opposite: we will seek a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship, in a gradual, proportional and reversible manner, as decided by the Council, always in full compliance with established conditionalities.”
She added that progress on democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy—which remains at a worryingly low 4 per cent—commitment to good neighbourly relations, and substantial progress on the Cyprus issue within the United Nations framework remain essential prerequisites. She emphasised that enlargement rules apply to everyone, without exceptions, and this constitutes an element of the Union’s credibility.
Kombos advocates dialogue amid US-Greenland tensions
Committee members also questioned the two Cypriot ministers about Greenland and Trump’s threats, seeking to understand how the Cyprus presidency will address the issue. Kombos, after noting that dialogue with the United States is essential under the circumstances, asked rhetorically: “What is the opposite?”
Addressing MEPs, he questioned whether the European Union has the luxury of isolating itself, particularly from the United States. “I am an ardent supporter of the principle that says when things become difficult, then more dialogue is required,” the Cypriot foreign minister stated.
The direction in which the EU should move, according to Nicosia’s approach, on the Greenland issue is none other than intensive and constructive dialogue, noting that it is up to the EU itself to pursue productive dialogue with the US.
Cyprus highlights Middle East role
The AFET discussion provided an opportunity for the Cypriot side to highlight the role Cyprus can play in the wider Middle East region.
Responding to MEPs’ questions, Kombos referred to the importance of IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) and how the European Union will benefit from the specific project. He indicated clearly, however, that “as Europeans we should not compete amongst ourselves” and that regarding IMEC there should be only one point of entry. Through a collective effort, the EU will emerge victorious, the Cypriot foreign minister underlined.
He further emphasised the need to strengthen the European Union’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, noting that Cyprus is the only EU member state with a presence in all Gulf states.
A significant topic on the AFET agenda was Iran, with MEPs’ questions focusing on actions the presidency will take to address the Tehran regime. References were strong regarding the EU’s need to place the “Revolutionary Guards” on the list of terrorist organisations, with committee members indicating to the Cyprus presidency that it should work to stop Spain from obstructing the decision against the “Revolutionary Guards”.
On this matter, the foreign minister noted that there is continuous briefing from EU diplomatic missions located in Tehran and the situation is being closely monitored. Regarding measures the EU should take, he referred to discussions scheduled for the following day at the Foreign Affairs Council level.
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