“EU Scandal: Turkey Tries to Legitimise the Occupied Territories – Greece and Cyprus Strike Back”

A political and diplomatic uproar erupted in Brussels, sending shockwaves through Athens and Nicosia, after the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Defence Agency referred to the occupied areas of Cyprus as the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” in a report on energy resources. This statement directly contradicts EU positions and the European Council Conclusions, which recognise only the Republic of Cyprus as the legitimate state in the region.

In a joint statement, New Democracy MEPs described the reference as “unacceptable” and emphasized that its withdrawal by European authorities was mandatory. They also stressed that “every measure must be taken to prevent such references in the future“, warning that such omissions could be exploited by Ankara for geopolitical games in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The incident comes at a critical time, as Turkey seeks to strengthen its position in the Eastern Mediterranean and legitimize unilateral actions such as the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, which has been condemned by both the EU and Cyprus. Athens and Nicosia view these maneuvers as a threat to energy security and sovereign rights in the region.

The swift response from European institutions, while commendable, underscores the growing geopolitical risk posed by Turkey. The public apology by EU authorities demonstrates that Greek and Cypriot pressure is decisive, but it also raises questions about whether such lapses could recur.

Geopolitical Analysis:

This episode illustrates that Ankara continues to test the limits of European tolerance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Even though the reference to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was withdrawn, it remains provocative and symbolically significant. In essence, it forms part of a strategic influence campaign aimed at challenging the international recognition of the Republic of Cyprus and gaining leverage in the energy sector.

The reaction from New Democracy MEPs and Cypriot authorities is crucial to send a clear message to Turkey that such actions are unacceptable. At the same time, it highlights the importance of consistent EU decision-making and the need for unity in facing unilateral moves by third-party states.

Going forward, Greece and Cyprus must remain vigilant, ensuring that their sovereign rights are never questioned through references or decisions that undermine regional peace and security. This case serves as a warning bell for the EU, emphasizing the need to be strict and consistent in upholding its positions against any attempts to legitimize the pseudo-state.