What changed

B100388/2025

P10_TA(2025)0192

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the detentionDetention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

(2025/2860(RSP))

PE776.199

European Parliament resolution of 11 September 2025 on the detention of EU citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus (2025/2860(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolution of 7 May 2025 on Türkiye, and of 26 November 2020 on Varosha,

– having regard to the European Court of Human Rights judgment of 18 December 1996 in the case of Loizidou v Turkey (15318/89),

- having regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Loizidou v. Turkey (1996), which affirms that the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" is not a sovereign state but a subordinate administration under Turkey's control;

– having regard to the ongoing occupation of Cyprus by Türkiye, the UN parameters for the solution of the Cyprus problem, all the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council on Cyprus and the 1977 and 1979 High-Level Agreements,

- having regard to European Council conclusions from 17 and18 April 2024,

– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the UNSC 541 (1983),

A. whereas the occupying regime, which is a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974 and is subordinate to Türkiye, is illegal and not internationally recognised;

- having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights and to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU,

B. whereas, on 19 July 2025, five Greek Cypriot EU citizens – Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou – were unlawfully detained and illegally charged by the Turkish military occupying regime while visiting their property in the village of Galatia;

- having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure;

C. whereas, on 10 September 2025, three out of the five Greek Cypriot citizens were released on bail by the unrecognised “military court”, yet they remain in the occupied areas and cannot return to their homes;

whereas on 19 July 2025, five elderly Greek Cypriot EU citizens were arbitrarily arrested while visiting a property they own near Trikomo in an area under Turkish occupation;

D. whereas despite the absence of credible evidence, their detention has been repeatedly extended by an unrecognised military ‘court’ in the occupied areas;

whereas the detentions occurred shortly before the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion and are seen as retaliation amid legal action against illegal property developments in the northern part of Cyprus;

E. whereas reports indicate that the detainees have suffered weight loss, severe health issues and lack of adequate medical treatment while in custody;

whereas the detention of the five individuals is ongoing, while being subjected to a trial by an unrecognised military “court”;

F. whereas this politically motivated act constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental rights, undermines the rule of law within the European Union’s own territory and sets a dangerous precedent;

whereas the individuals were charged with illegal entry, violating a military zone, and disturbing the peace under questionable legal procedures; whereas they refuse the charges and are held in harsh prison conditions;

G. whereas the detentions have been condemned across the political spectrum, including by prominent Turkish Cypriots, who stressed that such actions constitute political retaliation and undermine trust and the prospects for reunification;

whereas one of the detainees has reportedly been denied access to a medical professional despite a judicial order, raising concerns about treatment and detention conditions;

H. whereas the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has strongly condemned the detentions as deliberate acts of intimidation to terminate the legal action against usurpation, has submitted complaints to the UN and the EU, and is currently examining the possibility of initiating proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights;

whereas the detainees’ defence lawyer, Murat Metin Hakki, was arrested by the so-called “police” in Trikomo while performing his duties, a move condemned as intimidation of legal counsel;

1. Strongly condemns the unlawful and politically motivated detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens by the Turkish military occupying regime and calls for their immediate and unconditional release;

whereas the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has strongly condemned the detentions as deliberate intimidation tactics and submitted complaints to the UN and the EU, and it is examining proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights;

2. Condemns the occupying regime’s disregard for every notion of justice and its attempt at abduction and hostage-taking to escalate intimidation, and to target and influence those who attempt to visit their ancestral properties or appeal to the ‘Immovable Property Commission’ in the occupied areas;

Calls for the immediate release of the detained EU citizens.

3. Urges Türkiye to provide the detainees with access to immediate medical care;

Urges the Turkish authorities to provide the detainees with access to medical care, to ensure an independent investigation of these detentions and to hold those responsible accountable.

4. Urges the Commission and the European External Action Service to take all necessary measures, including considering punitive measures, to secure their release;

Calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and all EU Member States to request immediate release of the detainees.

5. Calls on Türkiye to fully respect human rights enshrined in international law;

Calls on the Turkish authorities to fully respect human rights enshrined in international law.

6. Condemns Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, now in its 51st year, as a serious breach of international law and an obstacle to peace, stability and EU-Türkiye relations;

Recalls the Loizidou v. Turkey judgment and its implications regarding Turkey’s responsibility in the occupied areas of Cyprus; urges the Commission and the Council to factor this jurisprudence into their evaluation of EU-Turkey relations;

7. Reiterates that the European Union has a moral and legal duty to support the Republic of Cyprus and its citizens, who are also EU citizens;

Condemns the pattern of property rights’ violations, arbitrary detentions, and retaliation against legal action pursued by displaced Greek Cypriots;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Türkiye.

Emphasises that all effort must be made to overcome the division of Cyprus and reach a negotiated settlement according to established UN parameters and EU values.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, and the Turkish and Cypriot authorities.