The European Commission has urged Turkey to reaffirm its commitment to UN-led Cyprus settlement talks and avoid unilateral actions that could raise tensions or hinder the resumption of negotiations.

In its 2026 enlargement report on Turkey, published on 4 November, the Commission said Ankara continued to refuse to recognise or cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus and had repeatedly advocated a two-state solution, contrary to UN Security Council resolutions.

Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said progress on the Cyprus issue could help strengthen EU–Turkey cooperation. She reaffirmed the EU’s support for efforts by the UN Secretary-General to resume formal talks and called on Ankara to respect international law and the sovereignty of EU member states.

The Commission also called on Turkey to reverse its unilateral actions in Varosha, the fenced-off area of Famagusta, that run counter to UN resolutions. It said restrictions on UN peacekeepers’ access to the area remained in place.

The report noted that Turkey had yet to implement its obligations under the Additional Protocol to its association agreement with the EU, including removing restrictions on direct transport links with the Republic of Cyprus. It also cited a July 2026 agreement between Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot authorities to develop an undersea gas pipeline without the consent of the Cypriot government.

The Commission said it remained committed to a comprehensive Cyprus settlement within the UN framework. Its special representative for Cyprus, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, was appointed in July to support reunification efforts and help facilitate renewed negotiations.

The report also found that concerns over democracy, judicial independence and fundamental rights in Turkey had deepened. The country’s EU accession negotiations have been stalled since 2018, although cooperation continues in areas including trade, migration and regional security.

Source: Pinewsuk.com