Turkey's Cyprus Reaction to the EU: TRNC's Rights Ignored

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey reacted to the European Commission's evaluations regarding the Cyprus issue in the 2026 Turkey Report. Ankara argued that the European Union (EU) supported the positions of the Greek Cypriot side and ignored the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

In a statement dated November 4, 2026, the Ministry criticized the heavy emphasis given to the views of Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration in the European Commission's Turkey report.

Ankara criticizes the EU on the Cyprus issue

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the EU's approach to the Cyprus issue does not contribute to resolution efforts. The statement expressed that the unconditional support for the stance of the Greek Cypriot side is not a fair and balanced approach.

Turkey emphasized that the legitimate rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriot people must be taken into account.

Reaction to Eastern Mediterranean evaluations

The statement also criticized evaluations concerning the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey stated that its rights and interests in the region should be evaluated within the framework of international law and the principles of equity.

Furthermore, the Ministry rejected the phrasing in the report regarding the memorandum of understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas signed between Turkey and Libya.

Call for a new era in Turkey-EU relations

Ankara stated that relations between Turkey and Canada—[correction based on context]—Turkey and the EU should be developed free from political obstacles and on the basis of mutual trust and common interests. The statement called on the EU to transform its recently increased dialogue with Turkey into concrete steps.

Turkey emphasized that safeguarding its own rights and interests on the issues of the Cyprus problem and the Eastern Mediterranean is of vital importance for the future of Turkey-EU relations.