MEP criticizes EU hypocrisy on Cyprus issue
- MEP Loucas Fourlas condemned the EU's handling of the Cyprus issue, labeling it as hypocrisy.
- He highlighted a lack of EU action against Turkish occupation of Cyprus while calling for consistent responses to international law violations.
- The statements from both Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela reflect a growing frustration with the EU's perceived double standards.
In Strasbourg, during a European Parliament session, Loucas Fourlas, a Member of the European Parliament from Cyprus, delivered a strong critique of the European Union's handling of the Cyprus situation, characterizing it as an act of hypocrisy. He argued that the EU consistently applies double standards, particularly with respect to the ongoing Turkish occupation of Northern Cyprus. Fourlas articulated that this inconsistency is evident as Europe exhibits a lack of response in situations of international law violations when it comes to Cyprus while reacting strongly in other instances such as the situation in Ukraine. He emphasized the disconnect between the EU's proclaimed commitment to its member states' territorial integrity and its actions regarding Cyprus. Additionally, fellow MEP Michalis Hadjipantela voiced similar concerns, questioning why violations of international law in Ukraine trigger a decisive response from the EU while Cyprus remains sidelined in discussions. This, he believes, reflects a broader issue of inconsistency within the European Union’s priorities and responses to conflicts among its members. Both MEPs conveyed sentiments that the European Commission’s position—recognizing the Republic of Cyprus as the sole legitimate government and condemning violations of its territorial integrity—seems undermined by the lack of significant action or solidarity against the Turkish occupation. The criticism highlights a critical juncture where EU policies and their perceived hypocrisy come under scrutiny, especially in the context of Cyprus, which has seen its sovereignty challenged for decades. The call for a consistent and proactive stance on all member states’ issues is growing louder as MEPs emphasize the need for the EU to uphold its founding principles. This discussion underscores the urgency for the EU to reassess its approach, not only in relation to Cyprus but regarding the principles of solidarity and justice it claims to uphold among its member states.