Debate contributions by Loucas FOURLAS

Madam President, High Representative, Mr Costa, you have said that you will not accept the violation of international law in Venezuela, Gaza, Iran, Greenland and even Africa. Why did you forget about Cyprus? But today I want to say something else. A stronger and more sovereign Europe is not only built on defence and geopolitical strategy. It is built with knowledge, with young people, with equal opportunities in education. Today I want to focus on a very specific but serious political issue, because we are talking about relations with other countries. It is about the exorbitant tuition that European students have to pay at British universities after Brexit. Education cannot be turned into a tool of exclusion, nor into a collateral loss of geopolitical tensions. On 17 February I will go to London as a member of the Education Committee with a clear goal: to work towards reducing these fees. And here I am addressing the European institutions. If the United Kingdom wishes to re-examine its relationship with the European Union, then that relationship cannot be one-sided. It must give something back, and an essential step of goodwill is to reduce tuition fees for European students.

Mr President, High Representative, as the European Parliament's standing rapporteur on Iran, I would like to point out the following. The price of Iran's freedom has already been paid in blood, with the lives of people who took to the streets to demand the obvious: freedom, dignity and rights. The regime responded with brutal force, firing on protesters, arbitrary arrests and executions. Thousands of people have lost their lives. Tens of thousands are in prison just because they raised their voices, daring to ask for everything we take for granted and self-evident. The voice of Iranian citizens must be heard, protected and actively defended by the European Union and the international community. There is no longer room for neutral stops, nor for delays. The European Union must act immediately, with targeted and severe sanctions against the regime responsible for the bloodshed and systematic repression, with a clear message that barbarism will not go unpunished. We stand by the people of Iran and all those who risk everything for a better tomorrow. Freedom cannot be silenced and the sacrifices of the victims will not be forgotten. There's no time to waste. We need to act now.

Madam President, Commissioner, Mr President, welcome to Parliament. For me, for all of us, Cyprus is above all. And we will do everything we can to make it work. The Republic of Cyprus took over the presidency of the Council at a crucial moment for Europe. But I want to say clearly to everyone that Cyprus can: can respond, can unite, can stand up to the circumstances. The challenges are huge. We know them, we heard them. Cyprus can be the bridge between Europe and the Middle East. Cyprus can and should stress that the right to veto is non-negotiable. We demand that. Cyprus can remind everyone that what unites us are common principles and values, even if these principles and values have not been applied for 52 years. They have never been applied in my country, which remains occupied. We are proud that our country is taking the reins of our great family and I assure you that for us Cypriots here in Parliament, during the presidency our party is Cyprus. That is why, ladies and gentlemen, I urge you all to join us. Mr. President, welcome. You can count on our support and we call on you to become the guardian of the principles and values that we all have to serve, even if in our case, I repeat, they were never applied.

Mr President, today we are preparing another European Council, talking about Ukraine, transatlantic relations and the European Union's strategic autonomy. But let me say that the Union is showing a dangerous selective sensitivity. The truth is awkward: Our European family does not face the same situations in the same way. Because at the same time we are defending the territorial integrity of Ukraine – and we do well to do so – we are forgetting one of our Member States, Cyprus, which has remained under Turkish occupation for almost five decades. We forget that Turkey has been illegally holding Greek Cypriots in the occupied territories for five months in retaliation for the sentencing of our usurper properties. We forget that last September, here in this Parliament, we demanded in a resolution the immediate release of these people. No compliance from Turkey. Listen to something else: Last July and August alone, Turkey committed 328 aerial and 16 naval violations in Cyprus. And what do we do? We continue the positive agendas with Erdoğan. Turkey says it will have no cooperation with Europe over the next six months in the Cyprus presidency. How do you comment on that?

Mr President, Commissioner, we are not just talking about an illegal proclamation, we are talking about 42 years of a pseudo-state of shame set up on the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus, a Member State of the European Union. We are talking about 51 years of Turkish occupation, with Turkey continuing to provoke, threaten, talk about two states, talk about partition. Where did you find the progress? Let's see ours too. What is the European Union doing? I heard you. You said the obvious again as a poem. You did not say a word about the condemnation of the Turkish invasion. Instead of imposing sanctions, the European Union distributes roles and rewards. Instead of drawing red lines, he bows to Ankara's blackmail. Instead of standing next to the victim, he rewards the perpetrator. Yes or no? I invite you to think of something. In a country which by force of arms occupies European territory, do you, our European partners, our family, sell arms to it? Are you delivering fighter jets and submarines to her? You're making her a security partner? This, ladies and gentlemen, is called moral bankruptcy. It's called complicity. We don't ask for favors. And if you ask me, we're full of words and verbal support. We call for equal treatment and justice. And I want from this step to assure you that we will neither forget nor surrender.

Madam President, Commissioner, as Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, I want to speak with absolute sincerity today. Next Monday I am going to Belgrade as part of my duties and I want to be clear to everyone. Let's talk honestly. Do we want Serbia in the European Union or not? Today, Serbia is facing two roads: The European one, with reforms and perspective, and the one that leads it to other choices, which would be wrong for the European Union itself. I want to assure you that I personally do not want Europe's door to be closed for Serbia, because the European Union needs Serbia if it really wants stability, security and a strong presence in the Western Balkans. At the same time, however, Belgrade must understand that in order to keep the door open, it must take responsibility for its obligations through incisions and reforms. Dialogue, not exclusion. Here some insist on giving a European perspective to Turkey, which occupies European territory, not talking to Serbia? So let's leave the selective sensitivities. Our door to Serbia must remain open and it is now up to Belgrade to prove whether it wants the same.

Madam President, Commissioner, my country, Cyprus, is only 200 nautical miles from Gaza and from our homes we see the missiles at night. We are the closest European territory to the battlefield and our responsibility, especially in the humanitarian field, is enormous. We have done and continue to do everything we can to alleviate the human suffering that has been going on outside our doorstep for two years. We condemn Hamas' terrorism and have defended Israel's right to self-defence from the outset. At the same time, however, we cannot close our eyes to the explosion of violence and the tens of thousands of civilian deaths. An immediate ceasefire and the return of all hostages to their homes and families is imperative. It is imperative to provide safe access to the humanitarian aid that the region so desperately needs. At the same time, however, I do not hide my concern, because other players are determining developments in our region, with the European Union not playing a leading role. There needs to be decisive action by the European Union. We must lead, not follow.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking to you with outrage and indignation because five Greek Cypriots, five European citizens have been illegally arrested and detained by the Turkish occupation army for two months. It is an act of piracy, a kidnapping in retaliation against the legitimate Republic of Cyprus that has arrested usurpers, those who sell our property in the occupied areas, the houses where we were born and raised. Every illegal arrest is a blow to democracy, every act of retaliation is an insult to the European Union. All tolerance towards Turkey is complicity. Enough is enough. We can't be silent. We can't close our eyes. Solidarity cannot be selective. When citizens of a Member State are dragged into illegal courts of occupation, Europe must react. I ask you unequivocally and unequivocally to condemn this unacceptable act. Demand the immediate release of the five Greek Cypriot European citizens. To send a strong message to Turkey that we will not tolerate another blackmail. I wonder: Is this our strategic partner, this pirate, the kidnapper, the audacious violator of international law and human rights? I heard what the President of the Commission said about Russia's war in Ukraine, about the dramatic situation in Gaza. Not a word about Cyprus. For Cyprus, which has been occupied for 51 years. Apathetic, like these things don't happen. As if it is normal for a Member State of the European Union to be half free and half occupied. This is not the Europe we envision, this is the Europe of interests. We want Europe to stand by us as a family stands by its children. Cyprus is Europe.

Madam President, Serbia is a country that is on the European road, a road that requires dialogue, respect and democratic maturity. Violence has no place and is absolutely reprehensible wherever it comes from, whether by the police or by the citizens. Violence only brings violence, it does not solve problems, it sharpens them. Governments have a duty to listen, to listen to society, to give space to the voice of the citizen. Citizens, on the other hand, have a responsibility to express their protest with respect to the Constitution, the institutions and their own country. The road to Europe passes through trust and trust is built through dialogue. Serbia and its citizens deserve the future they dream of. Europe is here, not as a judge and a punisher, but as a partner, as a companion in this effort. The solution is always dialogue. The responsibility is all of us and the hope is the greatest force, for a Serbia that is peaceful, for a Serbia that is European. That is what I will continue to support.

Mr President, Commissioner, the Cyprus issue is not just a matter of trust. It's a matter of invasion and occupation, and you should know that very well. A Turkish invasion 51 years unpunished. Colonization? 51 years unpunished. Rape by the Turkish army of hundreds of girls and women? With impunity. Executions of children and men in front of their families? With impunity. They took our land, they took our lives, they took half our country. Cyprus is still bleeding, the wounds are not closing. Ladies and gentlemen, the list of Turkey's crimes against my country is huge and does not end. What ends is our patience and tolerance, because what happens is complicity. It seems that Cyprus in the eyes of some is less Europe for the union of 27 than Ukraine. 51 years later, where are we? With Mr. Erdoğan and his adopter Tatar talking about two states, continuing to colonize, usurp our properties and provoke. And, instead of being subject to sanctions, demand and earn European points. We don't have enough verbal convictions anymore. Works and deeds are needed. The crimes of the intruder are not time-barred, no matter how many years pass. We will be here to remind you and rub in the face of all those who try to convince us that Turkey is a strategic partner. Europe must react even now. Cyprus is Europe. Having it is an insult and a disgrace not only to us but also to you.

Mr President, in a few days NATO will meet again and Europe must go there with a plan and a compass. We cannot talk about common defence and expect the other side of the Atlantic to watch our backs. It is time for a Euro-army – not to replace NATO but to serve the planning, autonomy and credibility of the European Union. We cannot fail to have a clear timetable. We can't go watching and doing. Threats don't wait. We must act now. I can't help but say the following: My country, Cyprus, a member state of the European Union, remains occupied by a NATO member country. Turkey is playing a double game in Europe and our tolerance becomes complicity. Time to speak clearly and with deeds. The NATO summit cannot be just another meeting. It must be a turning point. If we want security, we need strategy. That must be the point now. Strategy and action.

Madam President, Commissioner, seven out of ten Europeans believe that corruption is a reality in their country. So let's say some truths. The rule of law in the European Union is seriously deficient and we are all aware of it. It's not a theoretical problem, it's existential. We violate it every day, not just with our tolerance but with our own decisions. Some see Europe only as a big bank: As long as the money runs and everything else is secondary. Solidarity has become voluntary and – in many cases – selective. Look at my country, Cyprus. In the 51 years since the invasion, Turkey has occupied European territory, threatened member states with casus belli and violated every concept of international law. And we are giving it billions and making it a strategic partner in the SAFE regulation. Is that the rule of law? A country that acts like a rioter is rewarded, instead of being on the stool and being held accountable for its actions? If this is the rule of law of the Union, then we have lost our compass and orientation.

Madam President, Commissioner, the title of the debate refers to an illegal visit. Let's talk honestly. It is not just that, it is a show of contempt for international law, UN resolutions and the European Union itself. And – I am sorry, but I will say it – as long as we remain silent, Erdoğan will continue to do his thing and we will only denounce every time he does something similar and illegal, which goes against international law and our principles and values. We cannot speak of European values and at the same time turn a blind eye to such challenges. Cyprus is not a distant land, it is a European territory. The illegality in my country did not occur only yesterday or the day before yesterday with the arrival of Mr Erdoğan. Illegality on this European soil has been a trauma to the heart of Europe for almost 51 years. I call on all colleagues, institutions and Member States to stop treating Turkey as a country that whatever it does is okay, because it is big and strong. Challenges and illegalities are not addressed with wishes and appeasement but with actions and deterrence.

Mr President, I find it very strange that, although Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, I did not even have the right to a minute's speech and I have to catch-the-eye to say a few words. This will be judged by my political group. I have said it many times and I repeat it: Serbia's position is in the European Union for many different reasons. She needs us and we need her. There are problems in too many accession countries and we are talking to them and giving them perspective. We are talking here with Turkey, which occupies European territory. And are we closing the door on an accession country like Serbia? So we want to throw it into Mr Putin's arms? Let's get this straight. If we want Serbs in the European Union, we have to be honest with them. If we don't want them, let them know. We cannot block them every time they approach the door of the European Union. When we do this to them, we lead them outside the European Union and we lead them exactly where some colleagues have said: in the arms of Russia. I don't think that's what we want. We must give perspective to the Serbian people if we want to help them. Are there problems? Yeah, there are, and we're gonna have to look them right in the eye. But not to close the door.

Mr President, Commissioner, we thank friend Amor for his hard work. Having the words "Turkey" and "progress" in the same sentence is contradictory and provocative. Turkey is not moving towards Europe, but is taking steps hostile to European values, the rule of law, human rights. He walks à la carte, enjoying privileges without any obligation whatsoever. The Erdoğan dictatorship imprisons journalists, political opponents, directly threatens war with two Member States of the Union and we close our eyes and ears, as long as we buy our peace with agreements, economic benefits or arms sales. Some even insist on giving it a leading role in European defence architecture. This is not the Europe we believe in, but a group of interests. This Turkey has neither had nor has a place in the European Union. This Erdoğan Turkey is an enemy of our principles and values. And yet, we continue to talk about dialogue, about progress, about geostrategic interests. Let's say it clearly; Some in Europe are unfortunately selling off our principles for a few business deals with Ankara, even if it owns European territory in Cyprus. And it's time to stop pretending we don't see it. Even a few of us will be here to remember this. As long as there is an occupation of Cyprus, as long as Erdoğan talks about two states and oppresses the Turkish people, this country has no place in the European family.

Mr President, Commissioner, the budget and European funds must focus on the well-being of European citizens. They are not just numbers, they are political choices that determine lives. As rapporteur in two important committees on the budget of the European Union, I welcome the adoption of important amendments that cover key issues and reflect the real needs of European societies. Strengthening European borders and the use of appropriate surveillance tools are essential, especially for frontline Member States such as Cyprus. Strengthening European defence and protecting against hybrid threats is necessary. Promoting the rule of law, supporting press officers and supporting vulnerable social groups are our key priorities. The European budget must therefore be a tool for social cohesion and security, reflect our values and principles at all levels and leave no one behind.

Madam President, I would like to thank you for accepting our request to make this statement on the Cyprus problem, at another turning point for my country. Half a century has passed since the Turkish invasion and occupation of half my country. Today, as you said, a new effort to resume talks under the UN Secretary-General is underway. An effort that should lead to a solution that includes the withdrawal of Turkish troops, the abolition of guarantees and the creation of a European state, based on European principles and values. We demand more active European involvement in the process. The reason is very simple. Europe is our only support and pillar of security. Dear colleagues, I urge you to remain by our side, claiming with us our self-evident right to live free in our homeland, in a united European Cyprus – home for all its children – without armies of occupation, without foreign guarantors. A European Cyprus cannot be held hostage by Turkey. The only guarantee for us is Europe. Join your voice with us. Cyprus is Europe.

Madam President, Commissioner, congratulations to my colleague Isabel Lima on her excellent work. The European Union must be consistent with the principles and values it defends. We cannot have different reactions to the same events, depending on who is responsible or what our interests are. This selective sensitivity disappoints pro-European forces and undermines our credibility. Why is there deafening silence towards dictators such as Erdoğan, who imprisons journalists, suppresses every different voice, tramples on human rights and violates every principle of justice and equality? The people on the streets of Turkey are demanding democracy, and instead of freedom they are getting repression, persecution and imprisonment. And we are silent, ready to give Erdoğan what he demands of us. Why is it? Because he's powerful? If Europe wants to be a beacon of democracy and justice, it must stop being afraid to say things by name. Silence cannot be our policy, because a Europe that is silent is a Europe that consents. And we can't consent to injustice. Human rights are the basis of our existence as Europe. So let's keep them for everyone, away from interests.

Madam President, Commissioner, Europe can no longer rely on third parties for its security and defence. The forthcoming White Paper on the future of European defence must pave the way for the creation of a European force capable of defending its borders and interests. That's what I've been supporting since the first day of my election. But we cannot start wrong. And I want to be clear. Turkey, a country that illegally occupies European territory, cannot participate in this effort of the European Defence Mechanism. A country that is a pirate in the Mediterranean and constantly threatens other neighboring states. A country that did not comply with the sanctions against Russia, on the contrary, strengthened financially and never recognized Hamas as a terrorist organization. I urge you to consider the disastrous consequences of such a development. Steps must be taken towards defence autonomy. I strongly support this. But not to take steps in the wrong direction. Thank you very much.

Madam President, Commissioner, allow me to welcome the Serbian friends who are in the gallery watching the debate. I want to assure them that, as Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, I am doing everything I can to convince them that Serbia needs Europe and Europe has a lot to gain from Serbia. The country is at a critical crossroads, where political stability and its European path are intertwined. I am aware of the internal situation and one of those who believe that the country's European course is the only way forward. I will not go into details of the chapters that have been or will be opened. All I'm going to say is that there's still a lot to do and we're here to do it. Serbia is one of the most important countries in the Western Balkans and a pillar of stability in the region. Her place is in the family of the European Union. Democracy and the rule of law are the only answer to any problems and challenges of today. The Serbs, I am sure, dear colleagues, know what they have to do to lead their country on the European path and in this effort they will find us next to them.

Madam President, the United States is and will remain a strategic partner of the European Union. Our historical ties and our trade relationship are vital. However, cooperation cannot be based on weakness. Europe must not be the weak link with anyone. In any partnership, we have to be a strong player. This means that we need to take measures and take meaningful action. To ensure that European businesses and our citizens are not the losers in trade disputes. Our response to the tariffs cannot be just verbal. Strategic preparation is needed. A strong, united and resolute Europe is the only one that can enforce respect and shape international trade. Multilateral cooperation or tariffs? The answer is clear. Cooperation, but from a position of strength and taking countermeasures to protect European interests, which I would like to hear.

Mr President, Commissioner, the time has come to decide and determine what our common future as Europe is. Developments highlight the need to redefine our geopolitical position. The new Trump administration highlights precisely this need: review our relations with our most important strategic partner. We are partners, we share common values and historical ties. But even the closest partners negotiate and often compete. Europe must negotiate from a position of strength, protecting the interests of its citizens and strengthening its autonomy and defence. Our relationship with the United States must be based on mutual respect and a balance of power, ensuring that Europe remains strong, competitive and ready to face any challenge, be it energy, technology or competitiveness. Together we must put it into practice, because only together can we achieve our goals. Together, however, there is something else. Mutual respect.

Madam President, it struck me that there is no one from the Commission to listen to what we are saying. The world is changing rapidly and Europe must make itself a strong player and protagonist. Enlargement is not just a geopolitical necessity. It is the only option for a united, secure and prosperous Europe. The preparation of the European Union-Western Balkans Summit is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to this strengthening with the enlargement of the Union. I know that the road is difficult, as the criteria and challenges are many. But we are opening and not closing the door of the Union, offering the accession countries of the Western Balkans a clear perspective. For my part, as chairman of the European Union-Serbia Delegation, I will do everything to convince Belgrade that it needs us and we need it. At the same time, I recall that integration requires the rule of law and adaptation to democracy. But I want to be clear. Attacks like this on my colleague Fredis Beleris in Albania, not only have no place here, but they are absolutely unacceptable and reprehensible.

Mr President, Commissioner, as the European Parliament we have a responsibility to safeguard democracy and exercise human rights in a rapidly changing world. Social media is like a knife. Depends on whose hand you find yourself in. If used correctly, they promote democracy. If used for other purposes, they may even destroy it. Fake news, algorithms promoting extreme and directed narratives undermine our democracy and the right of European citizens to the truth. On the other hand, no one can ignore that they are a source of information, strengthening the right of citizens to be aware of everything. In saying this, I strongly argue that the European Union must act swiftly and impose transparency and accountability rules on digital platforms. Citizens deserve a public debate based on the truth. And we, as the European Parliament, must ensure it.

Mr President, Commissioner, the situation in Syria is not just a matter of geopolitical turmoil, but a humanitarian tragedy with incalculable consequences. Millions of people have been displaced, thousands have lost their lives, and images of refugee camps and executions in the middle of the street are a disgrace to all of us. The Syrian coast is only 100 nautical miles from my country, Cyprus, the closest European point to the burning area. We saluted Assad's fall as Europe. But we did not say how we protect the thousands of Christians, but also other religious groups, who, as we see from the images arriving from the region, are not only endangered, but also targeted. The United States, Russia, Turkey, Israel, Iran are the players in a huge and dangerous geopolitical game, in which Europe must be present. Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we must take the lead. There must be a unified and radical response to the crisis on the European side. In this effort, Commissioner, you will find us all by your side. And a word of advice, if I may. Don't trust Erdoğan and Turkey too much. They own European soil.