Brussels, Belgium. Cypriot MEP Geadis Geadi addressed the European Parliament plenary session to criticise reported Turkish harassment of aircraft carrying European defence ministers travelling to Cyprus. The European Commission said it is examining the reports and is in contact with Cypriot authorities while gathering information.
Statement to Parliament
Geadi said he had received approval from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to inform the chamber about what he described as interference during the informal EU defence ministers’ meeting held in Cyprus under the EU council presidency.
He referred to reported incidents involving aircraft carrying the defence ministers of Greece, France and the Netherlands.
“A few days ago, during the informal summit of defence minister, there were interferences and harassments by Turkey and the occupying authorities on the aircraft carrying the defence ministers of Greece, France and the Netherlands,” he said.
Commission response
The European Commission has confirmed it is examining the reports and said it is in contact with Cypriot authorities while gathering information on the events.
Wider concerns raised
Geadi told MEPs that the episode formed part of a wider pattern of Turkish actions affecting EU member states.
He also referred to subsequent developments, stating that after a military cooperation agreement between Cyprus and France, the Turkish president issued threats directed at Cyprus.
According to his remarks in the chamber, these included warnings that Turkish armed forces could respond with what he described as “the most severe response”.
He added that such statements also extended to France, which he described as both a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a NATO member, and questioned the EU’s reaction to the situation.
“How long will the European Union demonstrate this provocative tolerance towards a turbulent state?” he asked, arguing that the credibility of the EU was being affected by its response to repeated incidents involving Turkey and member states.