The S&D Group condemns the illegal invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus, as the only member state of the European Union that remains divided, and reiterates its strong commitment for the reunification of the island within the EU.  

For S&Ds, our main priority remains the end of the Turkish occupation and the restoration of the rights and freedoms of all European citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins in a reunited country.    

S&D Group leader, Iratxe García Pérez, stated:

 “The Cyprus problem is a European problem. A united Cyprus inside the EU remains a priority for our political family. We will not stop fighting for the reunification of the island in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the International Law, and in line with the EU values and acquis. As the EU, we need to have a more active role in this process.”  

Head of the Cyprus Delegation, Costas Mavrides, added:

 “The European Parliament has repeatedly urged, and will not stop exercising its pressure on Türkiye to withdraw its troops from Cyprus, to refrain from any illegal and unilateral action on the island and to support actively and constructively the reunification of the island. A lasting and viable solution of the Cyprus problem lies within the EU’s values and principles, and EU acquis, provided that the EU is the best guarantor for all Cypriots. The EU’s active role is extremely valuable for the solution of the Cyprus problem with a European reunited Cyprus. This is what the European citizens expect.”