Amendments submitted by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group to the European Parliament's 2025 Commission report on Türkiye aim to restore language on the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus that was omitted from the original draft. The two amendments, published on 10 June 2026, focus exclusively on the Cyprus issue and seek to delete the phrase 'and the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus' from two paragraphs dealing with the buffer zone and UNFICYP mandate. The ECR Group argues that the original text, likely drafted by the centre-right EPP or centre-left S&D groups, was insufficiently robust in defending the Republic of Cyprus's legal position.
The amendments target two specific passages. Amendment 29 addresses a call on Türkiye to respect the status of the buffer zone and the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). The original text included a reference to 'the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus,' which the ECR amendment deletes. Amendment 30 similarly removes the same phrase from a call for cooperation among the Republic of Cyprus, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. The effect is to restore explicit endorsement of the Republic of Cyprus's claims to exclusive economic zones and maritime boundaries, hardening the Parliament's stance against Türkiye's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The amendments reveal a clear divergence between the ECR and the drafters of the original report. The original text, by omitting the 'sovereign rights' language, suggested a more conciliatory approach aimed at avoiding direct confrontation with Türkiye on the most sensitive legal claims. The ECR amendments reassert a firm, legally grounded position that explicitly defends the Republic of Cyprus's rights, particularly regarding hydrocarbon exploration and maritime zones. This reflects a hardline, pro-Cyprus government stance within the Parliament.
The amendments, if adopted, would strengthen the position of the Republic of Cyprus by reaffirming EU support for its sovereign rights, potentially increasing diplomatic pressure on Türkiye. For Türkiye, the restored language would represent a more confrontational EU stance, complicating its relations with the bloc. The European Parliament itself would adopt a more assertive role in the Cyprus dispute, moving away from a pragmatic approach. Other EU member states, particularly those advocating for dialogue with Ankara, may see the amendments as counterproductive to de-escalation efforts.
The amendments will be considered during the plenary vote on the report, scheduled for a later date. If adopted, the final resolution will include the restored language, strengthening the Parliament's position ahead of any interinstitutional dialogue with the Council and Commission on EU-Türkiye relations.