Debate contributions by Costas MAVRIDES

Mr President, congratulations to the rapporteur and to my fellow shadow rapporteurs. Geopolitical developments, technology and experience in Ukraine make the use of drones a decisive instrument in the modern war of hybrid attacks and conflicts. The recent hostile attacks against member states with drones, from Russia in Poland to occupation Turkey in Cyprus, proved our weakness, which requires immediate adaptation of our European defence industry to protect our borders and our citizens. Strengthening European industry and de-independence from external factors. European small and medium-sized companies are already involved in this sector and I am sure that in my country, Cyprus, this is the case, but we need to strengthen it by simplifying the procedure, by facilitating financing and by cooperation between large and small companies from different Member States. Defence Europe. Defence of Europe with a defence industry.

I have a very good explanation. Some European officials think of using Türkiye or instrumentalising Türkiye against their own agendas. That could be the right thing to do as a foreign policy, if they were in charge of their own Member State. Now they are guardians of the EU Treaties, and they have a duty to protect the EU collectively, from Cyprus to Denmark, and, of course, like us, consistently supporting Ukraine. That's a failure and we all have to accept and acknowledge it.

Mr President, the strategic autonomy of the European Union, with European defence at its core, for which some of us advocated a long time ago, is a necessity for the Union. We are in a world marked by escalating geopolitical conflicts with the Russian invasion against Ukraine and with an unreliable Trump openly ignoring international law, rendering NATO non-operational. The future of EU depends on our ability to defend and protect our external borders and our citizens, whether in Greenland or Cyprus. High Representative, in your initial statement, you emphasise the importance to be consistent, but you consistently avoid mentioning the occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. I have a very simple question for you: is this consistent with your duty to be the guardian of the EU Treaties and the rule of law? Think about it. (in response to comments from Kaja Kallas off mic) Is that the foreign policy of the EU? Is that what it is – to ignore the occupation of Türkiye in Cyprus? Maybe you should have an open discussion about that. Would you like to, Madam President?

Madam President, Mr President, on behalf of the S&amp?D political group, I welcome you to the European Parliament. Indeed, you are taking over the presidency in an environment of unprecedented security, economic and social challenges, to which you have already referred, and which are interlinked. This is why managing them requires a holistic approach, with the European Union in a geopolitical role – at last. The Cyprus Presidency rightly focuses on the strategic autonomy of the European Union, which in practice means strength, respecting international law to the outside and cohesion within the Union, starting in areas such as energy and housing. You have also shown since taking office that Cyprus is indeed a bridge between the European Union and the Middle East and beyond. However, Mr President, this requires consistency, principles and solidarity. This is why European citizens ask, for example: Why did we impose sanctions on the offender in violation of international law in Ukraine, while we did not do the same to the illegal occupation of Cyprus, even though the Turkish occupation of Cyprus is also a violation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union? How will we combine the supply of sources outside the Union with our strategic autonomy and coherence within? In conclusion, Mr President, we will join you in these six months, since we believe in a strong, social and united Europe in solidarity.

Madam President, phasing out Russian natural gas imports is about our energy security and destiny. But the real issue is not just to end direct Russian imports to the EU, but to also close the loopholes through third countries, especially unreliable and autocratic regimes that can play a dirty game at the expense of our vital interests for years. Turkey and Azerbaijan are both a striking example. In fact, just recently, they publicly stated that they will not comply with any sanctions, just like they have done for years. But this regulation is also about diversification of energy resources and pipelines. Some of them have already been mentioned and I will mention one too. As of now, the only potential for a domestic source of energy within the EU is the eastern Mediterranean. We had new discoveries recently, new agreements with the Republic of Cyprus at the centre of all this. So the conclusion is, on one hand, we have bad politics and, on the other hand, we have good politics and a vision for Europe – I think the real choice is very clear.

Madam President, my congratulations to the rapporteurs. It may have taken long. It may not be as ample as we wished, but this is nevertheless another important step towards Europe's defence. EDIP introduces the first EU-level security-of-supply mechanism to guarantee reliable access to defence equipment development. It sets out a long-term framework for collaboration among Member States by doing more together and buying more European. Unlike the SHAPE programme, EDIP will serve the collective security interests of the Union rather than individual Member States' agendas. And, by the way, Article 1 states that our aim is more sovereignty. Therefore, third countries like Türkiye should have been excluded in advance from any direct or indirect involvement, given its occupation of EU territory in Cyprus and its Neo-Ottoman expansionist policies. The most sacred aspect of sovereignty is the ability to defend the Union against any external threats, from Russia to the Mediterranean.

Mr President, the separatist formation in occupied Cyprus is a creation of Turkey, as the title rightly says, which maintains, finances and controls it with its occupying troops. The UN Security Council condemned his proclamation, calling on all states to refrain from direct or indirect recognition. And the European Court of Justice has ruled that this is a vassal administration in Turkey, without any legitimacy. In this puppet state, on European Union territory, Turkey transported thousands of settlers from the Turkish mainland, multiples of the Turkish Cypriots, methodically committing the crime of colonization. Now it is committing another crime, the massive usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories. How many crimes does he have to commit to enforce measures, how many crimes? We have many wishes, resolutions and convictions. And something for everyone watching us. The law will one day prevail. But on that day we will remember not only the crimes, we will also remember our partners, our family, who at the critical time turned their face and were silent.

Mr President, this draft legislation to ban Putin's oil and gas imports is not only about the EU, but finally to close the loopholes through third countries towards an energy-independent and stronger Europe. Regarding third countries, Turkey is a striking scandal. Even recently, Turkish officials stated that they will not comply with any sanctions, just like they do for years. The Commission, particularly the High Representative, pretend they know nothing. They are supposed to be the guardian of our collective EU interests. Specifically, a European project of common interest ending the energy isolation of Cyprus, connecting it with the European energy grid and strengthening the EU's autonomy by accessing its own energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean is blocked by Turkey against EU interests, and the Commission considers Turkey a reliable partner for Euro defence. This is not just hypocrisy, this is bad politics for Europe.

Madam President, the recent peace conference for the Middle East brought hope for peace, but took place without the European Union. If the EU wants to be a global player, we cannot be absent from shaping peace and stability in a region that lies in our immediate neighbourhood and is of strategic importance, as confessed by the Commissioner. Strengthening our geopolitical role is essential for our future. With challenges ahead we should support and invest in this agreement as a long-due chance for stability and prosperity for the Middle East. Cyprus was at the conference – as the EU Member State closest to the region with traditional external relations with key countries there – and stands ready once again to contribute by presenting a complementary plan directed towards security, humanitarian aid and reconstruction. This complementary plan received a very warm welcome by the midnight conference yesterday, and I strongly believe that it deserves more attention and support from the European Commission.

Madam President, here is a sample of wording from Ms von der Leyen's initial statement regarding the recent Russian drone incursion against our eastern borders: 'hybrid warfare', 'deliberate campaign against Europe', 'we want to respond with unity, with the drone wall and other actions.' We fully agree with united actions to defend the EU. However, hundreds and hundreds of air, naval and terrain violations are happening by Türkiye against our borders in the eastern Mediterranean. Right now, two Turkish armed drones are violating the Cyprus FIR, not to mention the continued occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. The Commission is supposed to be the guardian of EU Treaties and values, not to divide us by silence, double standards or hypocrisies.

Madam President, new findings in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus increase the potential of energy reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean. We have repeatedly argued from this forum that the deposits in the Eastern Mediterranean, as domestic sources within the European Union, provide a unique advantage in our effort to become independent from third parties and have energy security, which we should use. This requires, however, the defence of international law, because we are facing an expansionist Turkey, which is obstructing the actions of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as Greece. Recently – just yesterday – the Turkish Foreign Minister launched new threats of war. That is why not only our European vital interests but also our values are being judged in the Eastern Mediterranean. And the decisive attitude of each one of us reveals whether we believe in our values or whether we are just pretending.

Mr President, of course, I'd like to thank the Commissioner for what he has already said about the Cyprus and Turkish responsibility towards EU. However, I want everyone to note that the appropriate person for tonight's discussion and debate was supposed to be the High Representative, and I have noticed that since the inception of her term, she never attended and never participated in any debate about Cyprus. I leave everyone to answer the question: why?

Mr President, this resolution is about five European citizens, Cypriot nationals that, while visiting their properties in the occupied area of Cyprus, were illegally detained and subjected to inhumane treatment by the occupying regime established and ruled by Turkey. I would like to thank my colleagues for their support in drafting this strong resolution, particularly with two references specifically. First, in condemning the deliberate intimidation tactics by the occupying regime, such as this illegal detention aiming to terminate the criminal action by the Republic of Cyprus against usurpers of occupied Greek-Cypriot properties. We extend our full support to the Republic of Cyprus to enforce the EU rule of law. Second, we urge the European Commission and the External Service to take all necessary measures, including punitive ones, against Turkey, in order to secure their release. This morning, the Commission President talked about EU defence and security, but said nothing about Turkey and the occupation of EU territory in Cyprus. The credibility of EU defence and security is tested in Cyprus, and the Commission President failed in the eyes of many European citizens, including myself.

Mr President, the recent attack against the Mar Elias Orthodox Church is one more atrocity taking place under the new jihadist regime in Syria. From the very beginning, the new rulers, according to credible reports, the same organisations that serve as our sources of information for the crimes committed during the Assad regime, hundreds of people were murdered in their homes, thousands were tortured and abducted, including children, women and men, and even more were forcibly displaced by the new jihadist regime. All of these individuals were targeted solely because of their identity or religion. And they were Alawites, Druze, Christians and Kurds. We condemn the atrocities committed against members of ethnic and religious communities and ask for action by the High Representative. However, as long as the mastermind and the promoter of all these atrocities, the Erdoğan regime, is considered a strategic partner by some of our representatives and offices in the EU, unfortunately the deadly attack on Mar Elias will not be the last one.

Mr President, Commissioner, we have listened to you very carefully. Now you will listen to us, the representatives of the Republic of Cyprus. 51 years since the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, with thousands killed, executed, hundreds of women brutally raped between the ages of 12 and 70, missing people still searching for their bones. And those of us who escaped and went through the refugee crisis from children and unfortunately to this day, the fundamental rights of Cypriot European citizens and Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are being brutally violated by Turkey. And this debate is taking place here today, because the Cyprus problem is a European problem. Turkey occupies territory of the European Union and what I will tell you now is happening on European territory. Two clear crimes. Sterilization of Greek Cypriot properties as we speak, linked to money laundering. The second crime. Illegal settlement. Turkey is transferring settlers, an army, creating infrastructure to Cyprus, and the evidence shows today, on the assumption of the occupying regime, that there is no Turkish Cypriot leader, but within Turkey and it is the choice of settlers. I'm finishing up. In order for these crimes to exist, there are criminals. And we demand the obvious. Just as measures have been taken in the case of Ukraine and we, who believe in European principles and values, in international law, have demanded that you do the same. And the only prospect that exists is the European Union. The European Union provides the guarantee for the fundamental rights of the European citizens of Cyprus and that is why we are defending the European Union, whose future is also being judged in Cyprus today.

Madam President, we thank the rapporteur and colleagues for their constructive cooperation. Montenegro, as already highlighted, remains the most advanced candidate country of the Western Balkans. The accession path of candidate countries depends solely on their compliance with the specific Copenhagen political criteria, which ensure their commitment to our values and the rule of law. In this report, we welcome progress in implementing important reforms, as well as Montenegro's alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. We also underline the importance of reforms in areas such as media freedom, electoral law and the fight against corruption. We note, however, that Montenegrin citizens strongly support their accession, as do the majority of political forces. As the European Parliament, we recognise this commitment of Montenegro and we expect to have the pleasure in this mandate, perhaps even during Cyprus' Presidency of the European Council, to welcome Montenegro to our European family.

Madam President, RRF has been an unprecedented instrument aiming to help the recovery and resilience in the EU after the Covid pandemic. As a group, we have always stood for the full use of the opportunities it offers for the benefit of our societies. In this specific report, we call for an 18-month extension for the implementation of mature projects, with the possibility for the finalisation of ongoing projects also through other funding schemes. Protecting these projects is a matter of economic and social responsibility, and flexibility and consistency are required from the Commission. Also, due to our group's leading role, the need to tackle the housing crisis is included, urging the Member States to accelerate investments in affordable housing for all using RRF funds. We acknowledge, though, the positive impact of the RRF on society and the economy, while we are concerned about the gap in public investments. We call for the continuation of EU support for public investment without diverting resources from existing programmes and, moreover, to create a common, permanent long-term investment instrument.

Mr President, in the last plenary we voted overwhelmingly in favour of the report on Turkey, which is a catapult against Turkey, described as a tyrannical regime within, and an international offender and expansionist outside its borders, including of course the occupation of European Union territory in Cyprus. Essentially, Turkey is failing in the criteria on the basis of which it was granted accession status and is bluntly violating its obligations to the European Union. As a European Parliament, we should be proposing either the termination of its accession procedures or the imposition of sanctions, for example, the suspension of the customs union. Neither of them. Instead, cooperation is proposed in strategic areas such as trade, energy and possibly defence. That's what Turkey wants. For those who consider Turkey's accession regime to be a lever of pressure, Erdogan responds furiously that he wants the European Council to secure his accession status. And those who talk about Euro-defense with Turkey, these two, Turkey and Euro-defense, don't go together.

Madam President, the new Sultan of Ankara, during his recent illegal visit to the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus, repeated his repulsive demands based on the so-called realities of the occupation of EU territory and the gross violation of fundamental rights of European citizens. This is, in fact, the mindset of a neo‑Ottoman tyrant and an expansionist. In his repulsive mind, thousands of years of Hellenic civilisation, of Christianity, do not exist. In his mindset, the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the EU, does not exist. The free will of today's European citizens of Cyprus, Greeks, Turkish, Maronites, Armenians and Latins does not exist. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the rule of law, do not exist. International law, the sovereign rights of Cyprus, do not exist. A few hours ago in this House, with all political groups, we supported the condemnation of his illegal visit, and you have a clear message: our realities are justice, democracy and liberty. That is why this noble reality will prevail against the neo‑Ottoman evil.

Madam President, it has been more than 10 years since the banking union was agreed upon with a European deposit insurance scheme. However, it has not been implemented. Banking union without EDIS means banking union without fair competition, as the burden of deposit insurance falls on the Member States. In fact, larger states have a competitive advantage over smaller ones due to their size, as demonstrated by the brutal haircut of deposits in Cyprus. However, given the current confidence and profitability in the banking sector, while the risks remain, this may be a favourable time for action, conditional on political will of those Member States that impose it. Regarding Member States with a long record of abusive practices and terms in banking contracts, resulting in legal charges at the expense of consumers and businesses, an effective out-of-court settlement mechanism is required. The absence for decades of such mechanisms, such as in Cyprus, led people and businesses to bankruptcy and other social damages.

Mr President, the rapporteur has admittedly had a very difficult job, but this report is indeed a catapult of findings, which characterise Turkey as a tyrannical regime within with a policy of neo-Ottoman expansionism outside. In particular, the report documents Turkey's failure in the criteria on the basis of which it was granted accession status. Moreover, today's Turkey is an anti-European power, with its own agenda, which simultaneously continues its occupation of the territory of the European Union in Cyprus and elsewhere. Normally, there are two options: either sanctions or termination of the accession regime. But the Commissioner did not say a word. Instead, it proposes strategic cooperation. Commissioner, what you are proposing is strategic hypocrisy, and you have an obligation to defend the values of the European Union.

Madam President, although in principle we agree with the facts as stated by my colleague, I'd like to say that, on behalf of the S&D group, we have proposed an alternative which has already been accepted. However, the title would be 'the illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus' with one round group of speakers without resolution. However, I'd like to announce the following: on behalf of my group, I also announce our strong commitment to table an oral amendment by the rapporteur on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Turkey that would take place during the voting on Wednesday, and of course we expect to have the full support of this House.

Madam President, we support President Christodoulides in his effort to withdraw the Turkish occupation troops, end the occupation and resolve the Cyprus problem in accordance with the European acquis and the principles and resolutions of the UN. Our obligation as a body is concrete – a European Republic of Cyprus with all its territories, without occupying troops and settlers. Implement the Treaties of the European Union defining the European Union as an area of freedom, security and justice and implement the binding Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. That is our obligation. However, the heads of the European Commission and the High Representative, instead of confronting Turkey, which occupies European Union territory in Cyprus, with the same vigour as they confront Russia, promote it in Eurodefence. This is unacceptable and does not fool European citizens. The time has finally come to end the accession regime of neo-Ottoman Turkey.

Mr President, for years, very few of us were arguing in favour of European defence as a necessary step towards European autonomy. Today, almost everyone supports it, and we recently reached European conclusions with reference to the defence of all EU borders, from the northeast down to the south and eastern Mediterranean. But these EU borders are violated by the neo-Ottoman Turkey that occupies part of Cyprus. Currently, neo-Ottoman Turkey occupies also part of Syria and Iraq, it has a military presence in Libya and beyond. This neo-Ottoman Turkey has illegally intervened in the eastern Mediterranean, violating the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea against two EU Member States. Paradoxically, though, the neo-Ottoman Turkey is considered an ally more than a threat. In fact, the Presidents of the Council and of the Commission had a teleconference the day after the conclusions to brief our partners, including Erdoğan, about European defence. Mr Commissioner, this is hypocrisy in action. It divides us, and I strongly believe that it will not fool this House, neither the EU citizens.